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War and Punishment

Putin, Zelensky, and the Path to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

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War and Punishment

Written by: Mikhail Zygar
Narrated by: Richard Attlee
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About this listen

A NEW YORKER BEST BOOK OF 2023

From “one of Russia’s smartest and best-sourced young journalists” (
The New York Times)—the first work by a Russian author to reveal his country’s history of oppressing Ukraine, providing an unprecedented overview of the war for Ukrainian independence that affects us all.

As soon as the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, prominent independent Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar circulated a Facebook petition signed first by hundreds of his cultural and journalistic contacts and then by thousands of others. That act led to a new law in Russia criminalizing criticism of the war, and Zygar fled Russia. In his time as a journalist, Zygar has interviewed President Zelensky and had access to many of the major players—from politicians to oligarchs. As an expert on Putin’s moods and behavior, he has spent years studying the Kremlin’s plan regarding Ukraine, and here, in clear, chronological order he explains how we got here.

In 1996 to 2004, Ukraine became an independent post-Soviet country where everyone was connected to the former empire at all levels, financially, culturally, psychologically. However, the elite anticipated that the empire would be back and punish them. From 2004 to 2018, there were many states inside one state, each with its own rulers/oligarchs and its own interests—some of them directly connected with Russia. In 2018, a new generation of Ukrainians arrive, and having grown in an independent country, they do not consider themselves to be part of Russia—and that was the moment when the war began, as Putin could not tolerate losing Ukraine forever.

Authoritative, timely, and vitally important, this is an unique overview of the war that continues to threaten the future of the entire world as we know it.

©2023 Mikhail Zygar (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio
21st Century Eastern Russia Eastern Europe War
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Engaging narrative of how narratives create our worldview

A very easy and gripping read. It is a story of stories. Zygar gives his own story and creates a new myth around stories and myths about Ukranian past and future.

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