Russia's Road to War with Ukraine: Invasion amidst the ashes of empires

The book "The Accidental Empire: How the Soviet Union Collapsed and Why It Matters" explores the relationship between Russia and Ukraine from the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 to Putin's invasion in 2022, highlighting how Western bodies unrealistically raised Ukraine's expectations of membership and exposed it to Russian aggression.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Biteback Publishing

When Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the world was left in shock at the sheer brutality of his actions. To those who had been closely following the situation, however, the warning signs of the impending bloodshed and destruction had been evident for years. This captivating and accessible book delves into the complex relationship between Russia and Ukraine, spanning from the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 to Putin's military intervention in 2022. While Russia is portrayed as the sole aggressor, the author highlights how Western entities, such as the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), raised unrealistic expectations of Ukraine's membership, ultimately leaving it without formal allies and vulnerable to Russian aggression.

As a former international observer, Samir Puri has firsthand experience of several of the pivotal events covered in this book. Through his insightful analysis, he poses thought-provoking questions about how we arrived at this point, why Putin views Ukraine as a part of Russia's natural territory, and whether the West handled its interactions with these countries prudently. He also explores whether there were missed opportunities to avert the war and examines potential scenarios for its resolution.

This book offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the ongoing conflict, shedding light on the complex dynamics between Russia, Ukraine, and the broader geopolitical landscape. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of this crisis and the potential pathways to peace.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785907708