Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but the roots of the current conflict go back decades. Many outside the region may wonder what led to this violent turn of events and want to hear directly from citizens caught in the crossfire. Our latest Scribd Original, 77 Days in February, shares never-before-told firsthand accounts from everyday Ukrainians about the harrowing early days of the Russian invasion. These stories of courage, loss, and perseverance give voice to ordinary people thrown into extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
For even more exploration on the topic, these books, audiobooks, and podcasts explain the background and offer contemporary context behind Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
“I don't know what day of the week it is. I know what day of the war it is.” These open-eyed, never-before-told firsthand accounts from everyday Ukrainians about the harrowing early days of Russia’s invasion in February 2022 provide critical perspectives about the ongoing conflict. Renowned poet and activist Serhiy Zhadan introduces this collection that highlights the courage and perseverance of Ukraine’s people.
Stay up-to-date on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict thanks to NPR’s State of Ukraine podcast, releasing new episodes several times a week. Reporters, politicians, and subject matter experts share new developments in real time plus essential background on the invasion. These episodes are short, to the point, and highly informative.
“Russia’s Threat to Invade Ukraine”
Dan Snow’s History Hit
Tension, military action, and strategic political moves spanning the 20th century brought us to the present war between Russia and Ukraine. This episode of Dan Snow’s History Hit podcast, (recorded at the brink of the Russian invasion) provides context on Russia-Ukraine relations, as well as insight into NATO and the roles Europe and the U.S. play in the conflict.
Ukraine in Histories and Stories edited by Volodymyr Yermolenko
For more on Ukrainians’ perspectives, this collection offers a better understanding of the headlines with an insider's look at Ukraine's present and past. Ukrainian writers, historians, and thought-leaders explain their country and culture in their own words, including reflections on Ukrainian bread, national stereotypes, poetry, and pop culture.
The Long Hangover by Shaun Walker
Walker, a long-time Moscow correspondent for several news outlets, writes a lively history of modern Russia — a nation, he argues, that never moved on from the fall of the Soviet Union. The Long Hangover chronicles Putin’s near-obsession with the Soviet Union’s success in WWII as well as the annexation of Crimea. These events provide context for current affairs.
Putin’s People by Catherine Belton
As the former Moscow correspondent for The Financial Times, Belton chronicles the rise of not only Putin but also the former KGB officers that surround him and carry out his policies. This book focuses on what the author sees as the evils of “Putinism” while exploring how Putin’s Russia became the divisive nation it is today.
Red Notice by Bill Browder
Written like a gripping thriller novel, this is financier Browder’s personal account of exposing deep corruption in Russia. Red Notice chronicles Browder’s unfailing will to fight against Putin’s regime, proving that sometimes fact is far stranger than fiction. His follow-up book, Freezing Order, explores the cover-up of the murder of his young Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitskyl.
Explore more resources in our editors’ list, Understanding the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict.
“I don't know what day of the week it is. I know what day of the war it is.” These open-eyed, never-before-told firsthand accounts from everyday Ukrainians about the harrowing early days of Russia’s invasion in February 2022 provide critical perspectives about the ongoing conflict. Renowned poet and activist Serhiy Zhadan introduces this collection that highlights the courage and perseverance of Ukraine’s people.
