Paul Sonne
Paul Sonne is an international correspondent for The New York Times, focusing on Russia and Ukraine. He began his journalism career as an intern for The Times and The Associated Press in Moscow at a time when Mr. Putin was solidifying his grip on power in Russia. Subsequently, he worked for nearly nine years as a correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, initially in London and later in Moscow and Washington. During that time, he covered Russia's annexation of Crimea and the beginning of the war in east Ukraine, where he reported from both sides of the front. He spent five years as a national security correspondent for The Washington Post, based in Washington, where he covered the Pentagon during the Trump administration, the first impeachment of Donald J. Trump and the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Sonne has a degree in Russian language and literature from Columbia University and a master's degree in Russian and East European studies from Oxford, where he was a Marshall Scholar. He grew up in upstate New York. All Times journalists are committed to upholding the standards of integrity outlined in our Ethical Journalism Handbook. Sonne is committed to making sure that our reporting is accurate and fair. He does not accept gifts, money or favors from anyone who could figure into his reporting. He does not participate in politics or make political donations.
84%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
88%
Examples:
- The author has a tendency to cast decisions by the United States and its allies in recent months to allow Ukraine to make certain strikes on Russian territory with their weapons as a response by Mr. Putin, which can be seen as a justification of Russia's actions.
- The author often uses language that dehumanizes Navalny by referring to him as 'the late opposition campaigner', which could be seen as an attempt to diminish the importance of Navalny and his legacy.
Conflicts of Interest
95%
Examples:
- The author's focus on Russia and Ukraine with a particular interest in geopolitics and national security may lead to conflicts of interest.
- The author worked for The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and currently for The New York Times which can be seen as major conflicts of interest.
Contradictions
81%
Examples:
- Contradictions in the article about Putin threatening to arm North Korea if the US and its allies continue supplying weapons to Ukraine that have struck Russian territory.
- The deepening relationship between Putin and Kim poses a challenge for Washington as it once relied on Moscow's cooperation in curbing North Korea's nuclear and missile program but now faces a Kremlin intent on playing spoiler to American geopolitical interests.
- The Russian Defense Ministry prepared mobile Iskander missile systems for launch during the drills.
Deceptions
75%
Examples:
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- The author uses language that dehumanizes Navalny by referring to him as 'the late opposition campaigner', which could be seen as an attempt to diminish the importance of Navalny and his legacy.
- The exercises were the clearest warning yet from Russia that it might use nuclear weapons in the course of its war against Ukraine.
Recent Articles
Putin and Kim Sign Defense Pact: Russia and North Korea Pledge Military Assistance Amid Western Concerns
Broke On: Thursday, 20 June 2024During his visit to North Korea, Putin and Kim signed a defense pact, promising mutual military aid amidst Putin's war in Ukraine and shared animosity towards the West. The agreement raised concerns in Seoul and Washington over potential arms transfers and advanced military technology between Russia and North Korea. Despite these tensions, the leaders exchanged gifts during their meeting. 
Putin's Historic Visit to North Korea: Deepening Ties Amidst Western Tensions
Broke On: Tuesday, 18 June 2024During his first visit to North Korea in 24 years on June 18, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with leader Kim Jong-un and signed agreements to deepen their relationship. Amidst growing tensions between Russia and the West over Moscow's military actions in Ukraine and its ties with Pyongyang, Putin praised North Korea for defying UN sanctions and expressed comradery with Kim. The two authoritarian leaders plan to develop alternative trade mechanisms, resist unilateral restrictions, and challenge Western interests. 
Russian Military Drills with Nuclear Weapons Near Ukraine: A Report
Broke On: Tuesday, 21 May 2024Russian President Vladimir Putin orders military drills with tactical nuclear weapons near Ukraine's border amid heightened tensions, according to multiple reports. Drills involve loading Iskander ballistic missiles and equipping Kinzhal hypersonic missiles onto fighter jets. 
Russian Authorities Refuse to Return Navalny's Body, Sparking Outrage and Protests Across the Country
Broke On: Saturday, 24 February 2024Russian authorities refuse to return the body of Alexei Navalny, sparking outrage and protests across Russia. The cause of death is unknown but many believe it was due to poisoning or violence committed by Russian authorities against opposition leaders.