From “Quick Operation” to Prolonged Conflict
When Russia launched its “special military operation” in February 2022, most observers believed Kyiv would fall within days. Russia, the largest nation on earth with a powerful military, faced Ukraine, a smaller neighbor with a former comedian at its helm. Yet, more than three years later, the war rages on.
Europe stands united behind Ukraine, Putin finds himself isolated at times, and the conflict has become the bloodiest European war since World War II. Amid missiles, drones, and devastation, authors and journalists have sought to capture its human and political dimensions in powerful books.
The Human Lens: Yaroslav Trofimov’s Chronicle
One of the most acclaimed accounts is Our Enemies Will Vanish by Yaroslav Trofimov, a Pulitzer-winning journalist with the Wall Street Journal. Present in Kyiv during the invasion, Trofimov combines frontline reporting with the daily experiences of ordinary Ukrainians.
Though sympathetic to Ukraine, his narrative strives for balance, showcasing both the horrors of war and the resilience of a nation. The book’s emotional pull and storytelling style make it feel more like a novel than a history lesson.
War as Culture Clash: Luke Harding’s Perspective
Another journalist who witnessed the war’s beginning is Luke Harding of The Guardian. His book, Invasion: The Inside Story of Russia’s Bloody War and Ukraine’s Fight for Survival, gives readers a sweeping overview.
Harding portrays the war not merely as a geopolitical struggle but also as a collision of cultures and leadership styles. His chilling description of Putin as inhabiting “a strange and unreachable realm” contrasts starkly with Zelensky’s direct, people-centered approach.
Deeper Roots: The Historian’s Take
For those seeking to understand why the war erupted, historian Serhii Plokhy’s The Russo-Ukrainian War: The Return of History provides essential background. By exploring centuries of Russian domination and Ukrainian defiance, Plokhy shows how long-term historical tensions resurfaced in the 21st century.
This book is ideal for readers who want to connect past events with today’s battlefield realities.
Inside the Kremlin: Mikhail Zygar’s View
Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar offers a different perspective in War and Punishment. He examines how Russia’s political system, propaganda, and worldview shaped Putin’s decisions — and how Ukraine has responded with determination and defiance.
Zygar’s work highlights the ideological and psychological layers of the conflict, moving beyond military analysis.
Why These Books Matter
These works together show that the Russia–Ukraine war is not just about territory, but about identity, survival, and leadership. They bring readers closer to understanding why a conflict predicted to end in a week has instead redefined Europe’s future.