war
Russia Should Pay for Its Environmental War Crimes
The legal challenges are steep, but scientists are recording the war’s devastating impact on Ukraine’s land and wildlife.
By Jenny Morber
Smartphones Blur the Line Between Civilian and Combatant
In Ukraine, civilians are valiantly assisting the army via apps—and challenging a tenet of international law in the process.
By Lukasz Olejnik
Volodymyr Zelensky on War, Technology, and the Future of Ukraine
In a one-on-one interview with WIRED, the embattled president expresses clarity amidst the chaos.
By Geoffrey Cain
Open Source Intelligence May Be Changing Old-School War
Intelligence collected from public information online could be impacting traditional warfare and altering the calculus between large and small powers.
By Alexa O'Brien
The US Military Is Building Its Own Metaverse
Defense tech companies have latched on to the metaverse hype—but what they’re building will be a far cry from Meta’s virtual world.
By Will Knight
Meet the People Illustrating the Brutality of War in Ukraine
Six artists share what it’s like to keep working during Russia’s ongoing attack.
By Angela Watercutter
Space Command’s Lt. Gen John Shaw Says Space Is 'Under Threat'
In an exclusive interview, the military branch’s second in command talks about junk in orbit, cyberattacks, satellite vulnerabilities, and Russia's war in Ukraine.
By Ramin Skibba
Analysts Warn Anti-Satellite Weapons Have Evolved Beyond Missiles
A pair of new reports point to a proliferating array of technologies that could be used to attack spacecraft.
By Ramin Skibba
Tech Bans Hurt Russian Dissidents More than They Help Ukraine
To win PR points, Western tech companies are indiscriminately endangering people's health and livelihoods.
By Albert Fox Cahn
The Race to Save Social Posts That May Prove Russian War Crimes
Painstaking new techniques for archiving social media posts could provide crucial evidence in future prosecutions.
By Tom Simonite
For Kids Fleeing Ukraine, Wartime Trauma May Leave Lasting Wounds
Volunteers are rushing to provide online counseling, art therapy, and stress relief for the more than 2 million Ukrainian children who have become refugees.
By Sabrina Weiss
As Russia Plots Its Next Move, an AI Listens to the Chatter
With vast amounts of data becoming available to intelligence analysts, new tools will help them sift and interpret it all—but they will introduce new risks, too.
By Will Knight
How Explosions Actually Kill
Wars often spark misinformation about the nature of blast trauma. Russia's unprovoked bombardment of Ukraine is no different.
By Rachel Lance
Chernobyl Was a Wildlife Haven. Then Russian Troops Arrived
The area around the defunct power plant has been an unexpected rewilding success story. Now attempts to monitor progress are hampered by the war.
By Matt Reynolds
The Danger of Russia’s Lies About Bioweapons in Ukraine
Ukraine’s research labs are vital to global health. Disinformation aimed at their work puts everyone in danger.
By Maryn McKenna
Crypto Goes to War in Ukraine
Plus: Prophecies of digital cash, Russia’s virtual isolation, and bleak conditions for black tie.
By Steven Levy
Ukraine’s Digital Ministry Is a Formidable War Machine
A government department run by savvy tech “freaks” has become a surprise defense against Russia.
By Tom Simonite and Gian M. Volpicelli
The War in Ukraine Is a Reproductive Health Crisis for Millions
Russia's invasion is making it harder to deliver babies and provide birth control, abortion services, and other essential care.
By Max G. Levy
It’s a Perfect Time for EVs. It’s a Terrible Time for EVs
Gas prices are up, commutes are back, and Russian oil is under sanction. Too bad the electric vehicle industry isn’t ready to seize the moment.
By Aarian Marshall and Matt Simon
Palmer Luckey Says Working With Weapons Isn't as Fun as VR
The founder of Anduril and Oculus discusses his talks with Ukraine's president, the ethics of AI weapons, and Mark Zuckerberg's metaverse.
By Steven Levy
Threats of Bioterrorism in Ukraine Are Part of a Long History
Allegations of biological warfare are alarming. They also have a way of appearing in moments of crisis.
By Elaine Joy and Claas Kirchhelle
The War in Ukraine Is Threatening the Breadbasket of Europe
Millions of tons of grain may not make it out of the country this year. The shortfall could spread hunger and civil unrest worldwide.
By Maryn McKenna
The Situation at Chernobyl Is Deteriorating
The defunct site of the infamous 1986 meltdown has lost power two weeks after it was seized by Russian forces. Experts fear another nuclear disaster looms.
By Ramin Skibba
The Spectacular Collapse of Putin’s Disinformation Machinery
A few critical errors have brought down Russia's complex and objectively brilliant war of influence in the West.
By Tom Southern