The Russo-Ukrainian War

The Russo-Ukrainian War by Serhii Plokhy offers an in-depth exploration of a conflict that has reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe. Charting a war that has burned since 2014 and erupted with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, this book meticulously details the historical, political, and social factors that have contributed to this ongoing crisis.

The Plot

Plokhy combines decades of research and unique insight into the region with an eye for gripping detail, both in the halls of power and down in the trenches. He traces the origins and evolution of the conflict, from the collapse of the Russian empire through the rise and fall of the USSR to the development of democratic politics in Ukraine, and argues that Ukraine's defiance and the West's unity have posed a profound challenge to Putin's Great Power ambitions.

Themes

• Ukraine's Defiance: Ukraine's defiance of Russia and the development of its democratic politics are central to the account.
• Historical Roots: Plokhy sets the war within the grander sweep of history, showing how it shattered a geopolitical order in place since the end of the Cold War.
• Global Implications: The book discusses the broader geopolitical consequences, providing insights into how this conflict affects international relations.

Readers who appreciated Plokhy's previous works, such as Chernobyl, or those interested in similar historical analyses, will find this book to be a significant addition to their understanding of contemporary conflicts.