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The Russo-Ukrainian War: From the bestselling author of Chernobyl
£9.00£10.40 (-13%)
CHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE FINANCIAL TIMES AND TELEGRAPH
Do you know what is at stake in Ukraine? Urgent, compelling reading from the author of Chernobyl on the defining conflict of our times
On 24 February 2022, Russia stunned the world by launching an invasion of Ukraine. In the midst of checking on the family and friends who were now on the front lines of Europe’s largest conflict since the outbreak of the Second World War, acclaimed Ukrainian-American historian Serhii Plokhy inevitably found himself attempting to understand the deeper causes of the invasion, analysing its course and contemplating the wider outcomes.
The Russo-Ukrainian War is the comprehensive history of a war that has burned since 2014, and that, with Russia’s attempt to seize Kyiv, exploded a geo-political order that had been cemented since the end of the Cold War. With an eye for the gripping detail on the ground, both in the halls of power and down in the trenches, as well as a keen sense of the grander sweep of history, Plokhy traces the origins and the evolution of the conflict, from the collapse of the Russian empire to the rise and fall of the USSR and on to the development in Ukraine of a democratic politics.
Based on decades of research and his unique insight into the region, he argues that Ukraine’s defiance of Russia, and the West’s demonstration of unity and strength, has presented a profound challenge to Putin’s Great Power ambition, and further polarized the world along a new axis. A riveting, enlightening account, this is present-minded history at its best.
BEST BOOKS OF SUMMER 2023: FINANCIAL TIMES * THE TIMES * SUNDAY TIMES CULTURE * TLS
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Additional information
| Publisher | 1st edition (2 Nov. 2023), Penguin |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 416 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1802061789 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1802061789 |
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 2.3 x 19.8 cm |
by Brian Lait
This is a highly topical and insightful and well written book about the relationship between Russia and Ukraine historically, as well as immediately prior to and during the Russian attack on Ukraine in 2022. Some of the chapters may come lose their topicality, but overall, this is a highly recommended reading for anyone who wishes to understand one of the key conflicts of 21st century Europe.
by Liubov Biletca
This is a detailed history of events leading to this war and and the eventssince it started. To me it is essential reading, even if it is in a small font. Buy it. You will not be disappointed.
by Geoff Crocker
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by Gabriel Stein
This is a very necessary and timely account of the war from a leading Ukrainian historian. It doesn’t contain much new material, but does assimilate the factual history well, and includes a depth of detail. It is narrative history rather than analytical, and is inevitably and acceptably subjective, since Ukraine is undeniably the victim. Nevertheless a wider debate on the causes of Putin’s launch of invasion and war will be needed, both for academic historical understanding, and for forward political strategy.
by S. Naisbitt
This book was written last year and the beginning of 2023, so is very “current”. It is very well written and, albeit from a Ukrainian point of view, gives a very good insight into Russia’s declaration of war on Ukraine.
I lived and worked in Kyiv for some years over the new millennium, and wish I had had a lot of the background knowledge to Ukraine’s existence while I was there. This is the second book by Plokhy on Ukraine that I have read (The Gates of Europe, being the first) and he clearly shows that he is a very competent historian.
During my time in Ukraine I garnered no love for the country but, as with any country, I very firmly believe in its independence and sovereignty, and I must therefore condemn Russia’s war with Ukraine and support Ukraine’s resistance which is fantastic, especially with the (unexpected ?) leadership of Zelensky. It was very interesting that in my time there, there appeared to be no animosity between Russian and Ukrainian nationals. How that must now have changed !
It was very interesting to read how Crimea was “transferred” to Ukraine for economic reasons, and Putin’s supposed reasoning for raiding Ukraine. It is vital that the West keeps up support for Ukraine. Russia must, in no way, be allowed to claim any sort of victory at any time and for any reason.
Thank you Mr. Plokhy for a very educational, informative and interesting read.
by S. Naisbitt
I was working away from home, living out of a hotel room when Russia invaded Ukraine, in February of 2022…
I am ashamed to admit, like so many westerners, that before this heinous event I wasn’t even sure where Ukraine was on a map, was ignorant of its (justifiably) acrimonious history with Russia, had thought of it merely a province of the former Soviet Union and a vassal state, and that Ukrainians all spoke Russian.
I was wrong. Deeply wrong. To any Ukrainian who might read this: my apologies.
Like many in the UK and around the world – I watched the news of war unfold with horror and yet growing pride, an admiration and inspiration coming from the people of a country who merely wish to be allowed to live in peace and hard won independence from the Imperialist pretensions of their eastern neighbor, within their own sovereign borders.
Serhii Plokhy has been an essential part of my personal education on the long proud history of a brave and undaunted nation.
Over the last twenty-one months I have developed a deep love, admiration and respect for all things Ukrainian: her culture, her people, a beautiful rich land now ravaged by attempted domination and conquest.
Ukrainian (for me) is a word synonymous with courage. And it is with some of that fortitude that Plokhy narrates these painfully current events. Much like his book The Gates Of Europe educates outsiders on this incredible country’s embattled history, The Russo-Ukrainian War details a fight for survival that must be supported to the only permissible conclusion: victory and freedom for Ukraine. A fascinating heart-rending, maddening and utterly essential read. Слава Україні