Overreach: The Inside Story of Putin's War Against Ukraine

Here is a summary of the book:
Overreach is a 2023 book by journalist Owen Matthews that investigates the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war, from the corridors of the Kremlin to the trenches of Mariupol. It reveals the mystery behind Vladimir Putin's reckless gamble that risked the destruction of his regime and Russia. The book is based on over 25 years of experience as a correspondent in Moscow and includes accounts from current and former insiders, captured Russian soldiers, and on-the-ground reporting from Russia and Ukraine. It provides a panoramic view of the conflict and is considered an authoritative and unmissable record of a shocking event that shocked Europe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The Pushkin House Book Prize 2023 has been awarded to Owen Matthews for his book "Overreach: How Vladimir Putin's War on Ukraine Shook Europe to Its Core." The book, which was described as an "astonishing investigation into the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war" by The Telegraph and a "Times Best Book of Summer 2023" by The Times, has also been shortlisted for the Parliamentary Book Awards.

The Russo-Ukrainian War is the most serious geopolitical crisis since the Second World War, and yet at the heart of the conflict is a mystery. Vladimir Putin, who was once seen as a calculating and subtle master of opportunity, has seemingly lurched into a reckless gambler, putting his regime and Russia itself at risk of destruction.

In "Overreach," journalist Owen Matthews takes us through the poisoned historical roots of the conflict, into the Covid bubble where Putin conceived his invasion plans in a fog of paranoia about Western threats, and finally into the inner circle around Ukrainian president and unexpected war hero Volodimir Zelensky.

Using the accounts of current and former insiders from the Kremlin and its propaganda machine, the testimony of captured Russian soldiers, and on-the-ground reporting from Russia and Ukraine, "Overreach" tells the story not only of the wars causes but how the first six months unfolded.

With its panoramic view, "Overreach" is an authoritative, unmissable record of a conflict that shocked Europe to its core. The book has received widespread praise from critics and has been described as a "must-read" for anyone interested in understanding the ongoing crisis.

In conclusion, "Overreach: How Vladimir Putin's War on Ukraine Shook Europe to Its Core" by Owen Matthews is a groundbreaking work of journalism that provides a comprehensive and insightful account of the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war. The book's award-winning status and widespread praise testify to its importance and relevance in today's world.

Weight: 694g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008562748