Clear, lively, and not afraid to be controversial: a stimulating anatomisation of Russia's poisonous relationship with the West, Ukraine, and its own dark past.

Anna Reid, author of Borderland: A Journey through the History of Ukraine and A Dirty Little War

A very important account of the build-up to Russia's invasions of Ukrainian territory. [...] This is a study that needs to be taken into account when we try to understand the lessons of the war.

Geoffrey Hosking, Emeritus Professor of Russian History, University College London

A fascinating and highly readable account of the background to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, informed by Martin Sixsmith's long involvement with the region since his days as a BBC correspondent covering the last days of the Soviet Union.

Peter Conradi, author of Who Lost Russia? From the Collapse of the USSR to Putin's War on Ukraine

A tremendous study of how Putin has tragically manipulated national myths for personal gain and revanchist patriotism.

Starred Review, Kirkus Review