Lucian Kim's Putin's Revenge dives deep into the intricate web of history, geopolitics, and personal ambition that led to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Though dense at times, the book effectively unravels Vladimir Putin's long-term strategy to undermine American influence in Europe and restore Russia to its perceived former glory.

Kim highlights the progression from the Soviet Union's collapse, through failed democratic reforms, to the rise of a centralized autocracy under Putin. State-controlled media emerges as a vital tool in consolidating power, with Kim illustrating how dissent has been systematically silenced. While the author’s American background may explain the occasional lack of clarification on terms like "Kremlin" or events such as the "Orange Revolution," his journalistic experience and time spent in the region lend credibility to his account.

The book excels when tracing Putin's narrative: portraying Ukraine as an inseparable part of Russia's heritage while dismissing its burgeoning nationalism. This tension is central to understanding the invasion. Kim contrasts Russia’s authoritarian governance with Ukraine's pro-European aspirations, highlighting the cultural and linguistic ties between the two nations—comparable, as the author notes, to Italian and Spanish.

However, the book’s scope feels limited, focusing almost exclusively on the U.S.-Europe-Russia dynamic. Geopolitical players like China or North Korea are barely mentioned, leaving a gap in the broader context of Russia’s global strategy. Yet, Kim’s insights into how Putin leverages perceptions of strength and weakness—qualities that resonate deeply in Russian culture—offer a chilling portrayal of the Russian president as cold and calculating, a sentiment echoed by former U.S. President George W. Bush.

For readers familiar with Putin's rise to power, Kim's analysis clarifies the rationale behind the war in Ukraine, presenting it as an inevitable confrontation between Russian autocracy and Western ideals of freedom. That said, the book’s conclusion feels abrupt, with extensive footnotes serving as a reminder of its densely packed content. Once you adjust to Kim's style, the narrative ends, leaving you wanting a more comprehensive exploration.

Overall, Putin's Revenge is an insightful, albeit demanding, read that sheds light on Putin's ambitions and the complexities of modern geopolitics. It’s a must-read for those seeking to understand the historical and ideological forces driving the current conflict.
Thanks NetGalley for the copy.

A comprehensive, boots-on-the-ground read from journalist Kim. Russia’s continuing overthrow of neighboring governments is alarming and detailed here for the time period during the first quarter of the 21st century. How different US presidents and high ranking officials have handled and addressed this land grab adds an interesting dimension. This book could easily be the foundation for a one-semester course on modern Russia, Ukraine and Crimea. A dense read, but worth the time to obtain a strong comprehension of Putin as a dictator.

This book was good and interesting. The author was very well informed as he spent a good amount of his career in that region and specifically Moscow. It gave a great background as to the origin of the dispute and invasion, as well as the main auxiliary political figures. It really helped me to understand Russia’s mercenary rational for the invasions. There was a buildup with tension to the latest invasion, only to stop abruptly on the verge of that invasion! It was frustrating as I invested in really ingesting the book, keeping all the Russian and Ukrainian names straight, to be let down with the end. I’d like to give a great thanks to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

I always enjoy learning about history from those with a front-row seat, inside connections due to friends in high places, reporting on what they see and hear, and then compiling this information into a book. Lucian Kim did this in writing Putin's Revenge. An on-the-ground reporter in the region for decades, he encapsulates all he knows into a definitive account of Russia's path to war. What drove Vladimir Putin to launch Europe's most significant land war since World War II? The book examines the Kremlin's motives, tracing Putin's transformation from a seemingly pragmatic leader into an embittered tyrant who saw it as his historical mission to reconquer Ukraine. As a recent student of this type of history, I appreciated Kim imparting information about Ukraine's 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2014 Maidan uprising leading up to the full-scale invasion. Kim also places the war in the broader context of the Soviet Union's collapse, arguing that it represents a clash between those who reject the Soviet past—like Volodymyr Zelensky and Alexei Navalny—and those who still identify with it. Putin's Revenge is detailed, and, at times, I grew weary of the abundance of hard-to-pronounce names, but his book is timely, and I recommend it.

A well-written book that thoroughly documents the history and lead-up to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. I found it a bit dry but interesting. It was difficult to stay engaged once I arrived at the recent history to which we have been exposed. The implication that how the US President acts toward and with the Russian President can make so much difference certainly gives one pause when selecting a leader.

Lucian Kim, a Ukraine analyst at the International Crisis Group, wrote Putin’s Revenge while he was a fellow at the Kennan Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. Prior to this Kim has reported on Ukraine and Russia since Putin’s first term in office. Based in Moscow and Berlin for more than 20 years, he covered central and eastern Europe as a correspondent for National Public Radio, Bloomberg News, and the Christian Science Monitor.

Putin’s Revenge is a largely chronological account of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – the most extensive land war since World War II. Kim examines Putin’s transformation from a pragmatic leader into an embittered tyrant. The war is placed in the broader context of the Soviet Union’s collapse, wherein those who reject the Soviet past (e.g. Volodymyr Zelensky and Alexei Navalny) clash with those who still identify with it. In so doing, Kim argues that the root causes of the war lie in the legacy of Russian imperialism and Putin’s dictatorial rule.

Kim’s account of the invasion of Ukraine differs from other scholarly or historical efforts based on archival material because he was on the ground at critical times, close to important events. Kim not only has access to the usual sources (politicians, diplomats and military staff) but also to ordinary Ukrainians and Russians swept up in events. This access allows him to bring a personal broad and more nuanced perspective to this compelling account.

Putin’s Revenge is not an easy read, but it is a detailed and even-handed discussion of a grave threat to world peace.

Thank you to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I am grateful to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

This book, subtitled “Why Russia Invaded Ukraine” is by a journalist who has lived in Russia and Ukraine for much of the last two decades. He has reported for multiple respected US and International news outlets, including print media, online and American Public Radio.

There have been multiple books about Putin over recent years. Some are weighty academic or historical efforts based on the abundant archive material that is available since the downfall of the Soviet Union. Others are based upon interviews with the active participants in these events; those great and powerful figures who tend to dominate the historical narrative. The author spent many years living in Moscow, travelling in Europe, Russia and Ukraine, so he brings a personal, broad and ultimately more nuanced perspective to his book. It is a most compelling account , especially when he is on the ground at important times, close to important events. This allows him access to the usual sources, the politicians, diplomats and military staff, but also to bystanders, ordinary Ukrainians and Russians, caught up in events. At these times the author provides important insights that may be missing from other accounts.

For examples, a quote from his time in Crimea:
“It was hard to know what most in Crimea were thinking beyond not wanting to go back to the past…”

Or another example from Russia:
“I lived in Russia for eight years … not once did I hear anyone saying … they wanted Crimea back …”

Nevertheless he observes:
“… the loss of Crimea loomed large in Russian pop culture”.

The format of the book is largely chronological. Russia’s historical grievances are touched upon in the book, but for the most part, the author tells the Ukraine story in the context of the relatively recent past since the downfall of the Soviet Union.

Initial chapters describe the years in Ukraine following independence. A general turning by the population towards the West, in search of a better life. Many, if not most Ukrainians maintained a favourable view of Russia due to its proximity, power, energy supply, trade issues and most importantly familial and cultural links, not least, sharing among many people, a common language. Until the Russian invasions of Ukraine, NATO membership was never a high-priority for the general population. EU membership and domestic stability was a far greater desire.

As well as the views of people from various parts of Ukraine, the author documents the decades of duplicity, dishonesty and corruption from an endless array of dodgy authoritarian politicians and businessmen. Many with close links to Russia, crime and other nefarious activities. None of this excuses the Russian invasion of Crimea in 2014 or the full-scale invasion in 2022. But it does paint a picture of a broken political system in Ukraine and provides some context as to why Russia, or at least Putin thought their military actions would be successful.

The author extends the picture beyond Ukraine and provides further context in several areas. These include the rise of Putin in the post-Soviet era and the consolidation of authoritarian power in Russia and beyond, including military actions in Georgia. While provoking consternation and hand-wring in the West, such actions went largely unchallenged or at least under-challenged. As did later Russian military actions in the Middle East and Africa.

The US, while encouraging Democracy and building institutions in Ukraine to support elected Governments, was often distracted by other issues. Domestic politics of course but also wars in the Middle East and Africa not to mention the growing economic and military power of China. The author brings all these global issues into view, as context to what has happened in Ukraine over the years. He offers a balanced viewpoint and largely rubbishes the Russian narrative of the US meddling in the internal affairs of Ukraine. The US is presented as generally an influence of support. Providing Ukraine with aid and assistance, while not actively meddling in domestic politics or in anyway becoming actively involved in another conflict area which has little to do with US National Interests.

As for the Europeans, their emphasis is generally on maintaining the lucrative trade relationship with Russia, particularly Oil and Gas. In parallel, European Governments and Institutions urge and aid the growth of Ukrainian democracy, as well as support a focus on Human Rights and Economic growth, that could eventually lead to EU membership. Various institutions, such as the EU, NATO, IMF and others take part in various initiatives to help Ukraine find a way to a better life. A careful yet pragmatic approach given the political shenanigans in Ukraine and understandable given the West’s overall desire to avoid any costly new conflict.

Russia’s or at least Putin’s views are well described. The inferiority complex, the desire to regain historical influence, revenge for post-Soviets humiliations and so on. The rise of several Russian opposition figures, in particular the rise of Navalny, is covered in a nuanced and balanced style. The charade of Russian ‘Democracy’ as Putin entrenches power is unsettling.

The comings and goings of numerous Ukrainian politicians is a little difficult to follow at times. But the constant presence of Russian interference and influence is clearly captured and described. Ukrainian Oligarchs, politicians and military figures are often tainted with their relationships with Russia and their blatant self-interest. The feeling is captured that the Ukrainian people want something better than the status quo. Anything, as long as it is not a return to the Soviet model or the Putin model.

The rise of Zelensky is particular well presented. He is depicted as not just as an ‘accidental’ President, but as a thoughtful individual, more a businessman than a comedian, who wants the best for his country. Something better than the crime, corruption and dishonesty that was prevalent in the ruling circles after Ukrainian independence.

The author sets the scene well with an accounting of various complex and sometimes related events leading to the 2014 Crimea invasion. These include the Orange Revolution, the ‘Maidan’, NATO, the EU, the Middle East, China, Oil & Gas, Kosovo, Georgia, the Arab Spring, US and Russian domestic politics and so on.

These events build a sense of almost inevitability for Ukraine, firstly resulting in the Crimea invasion and later the full-scale invasion in 2022. In some regards this book reads like a slow-motion car crash, with the West, for a multitude of reasons, seemingly unwilling or at least unable to stop the outcomes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found the authors views compelling and even-handed. A recent book I read on this same topic was decidedly anti-American, viewing events and people from the lofty towers of academia. This book provided a more satisfying and balanced account. Not pushing any particular political or cultural point of view, while capturing the events, the people, the reasons and feelings behind what has happened and the war that continues. I wish the author and his publishers and the vest best with this important book.

A intriguing view of the situation definitely made me want to read more into it definitely would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about this topic as it's definitely still a hot topic

In ‘Putin’s Revenge’ the author provides a useful addition to the growing body of written commentaries and explanations of the tragedy that has befallen a major sovereign country in Eastern Europe. It is not an easy read, given the complexity of such a lot of history condensed into a short timescale. Lucian Kim takes the reader carefully through the different dimensions of this turbulent history, from the events leading up to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence in Russia of a potential thriving democracy, to its slow decline into a kleptocratic imperial dictatorship under Putin, reliant principally on the sale of armaments and hydrocarbons. Paralleling this evolution the author explains the development of a post soviet independent Ukraine and its painful journey to an emerging but fragile democracy and the influences brought to bear by EU nations, Russia and the United States. It is in this period that the author recognises that there are contested histories; he carefully notes where different explanations are provided and draws parallels with the fate of another post Soviet state, Georgia, which suffered a crushing military defeat when it came into conflict with Russia.

It is impossible for a reader not to experience sympathy with Ukraine and believe that it has been ill-served by aspects of Western influence, with warm words not backed with the necessary physical support in arms and resources until it was much too late. However, this judgment pales into relative insignificance when compared with the brazen imperialistic behaviour of Putin, who used his resources and influence to inflame acknowledged difficulties in the Donbas and commit acts of war against a sovereign nation with illegal invasions of, first, Crimea then the Donbas, and finally a multi axis full invasion in February 2024.

An uncomfortable but necessary read for anyone wishing to understand the gravest threat to world peace since the Second World War.

The book will be published in November 26, 2024.)

(Personal note: I lost several friends, some very dear to me, on social media in February 2022: I didn't believe reports about the deliberate, aggressive building up of Russian forces on the border. I couldn't comprehend the fact that Russia openly attacked Ukraine, and I wanted the 'military special operation' to be over, one way or another. I changed my mind after reading more and more about the war.)

(Personal note #2. Russian satirist Mikhail Zadornov said: When I am abroad, I miss my Motherland, when I return - I am terrified by the country.')

I saw one reviewer on GR say that an above-average book on Ukraine does not include the words 'fascists,' 'nazis' and other emotionally charged insults. The bar is pretty low, in my opinion, yet it demonstrates how hard it is to remain neutral when social media and news reports, in English and Russian, boil with hatred. I guess, I got spoiled by history books on WW2: the dead are dead, causes and consequences are organized in the correct order, and the righteous and wrongdoers are determined.

If you want the type of objectivity I seek, PUTIN'S REVENGE: WHY RUSSIA INVADED UKRAINE would be your perfect guide. Following the familiar path of other Western authors (I cringe at such generalization - Western - yet let it be), Lucian Kim opens an abscess of Putin's duality; the representative of the generation that saw the Soviet Union's collapse firsthand. Being simultaneously envious of the West vs. proud to be Russian. Desperately wanting to be accepted as an equal in the superpower league vs. seeing Russia's path as unique. Wanting to charm vs. wanting to rule by force. Etc., etc., etc.

What makes PUTIN'S REVENGE stand out is the author's attention to detail. Does it matter who ordered the shooting of protesters during the Euromaidan? Does it matter how Yanukovych wandered around Eastern Ukraine and Crimea before he escaped to Russia? Does it matter what mistakes Mikheil Saakashvili made to create a pretext for the Russian invasion of Georgia? Small details matter as they pile up to reveal something hidden. As Lucian Kim postulates, one of the reasons Ukraine wasn't prepared for a full-scale Russian invasion - apart from corruption, Zelensky's narrow choices, and his inexperience in politics - is the reliance on American promises of assistance, dating back to the belligerent foreign policy of George W. Bush. On television these promises looked magnanimous; on paper, they were as much vague as politicians could master. Even while briefing Ukrainians on the imminence of the Russian attack, even while evacuating the embassy's staff from Kyiv, Americans offered Zelensky only words about friendship, not arms or an increase in funding. Small details, remember?

I predict such an author's position would anger adherents of both the Russian and Western sides. If the author's thoroughness isn't enough, this point alone is enough for reading PUTIN'S REVENGE.

I received an advance review copy from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.