About this book:

This comprehensive account traces the Russo-Ukrainian War from its deep historical roots to its state in August 2025, offering readers an unprecedented window into one of the most consequential conflicts of our time. Beginning with the shared origins of Russia and Ukraine in Kievan Rus', the book meticulously unpacks centuries of intertwined history that set the stage for modern tensions, guiding readers through pivotal moments like the Maidan Revolution, the annexation of Crimea, and the eight-year war in Donbas that preceded the full-scale invasion.

Readers will experience the war's evolution through detailed chronicles of its major military campaigns - from the failed blitzkrieg on Kyiv and the heroic siege of Mariupol to the turning-point counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kherson, and the grinding battles of attrition in Bakhmut and Avdiivka. The book illuminates how the conflict transformed into a multi-domain war fought not just in trenches but in the skies with drones and missiles, at sea with innovative naval warfare, and in the economic realm through unprecedented sanctions regimes.

Beyond the battlefield, this volume explores the profound human dimensions of the war: the societal transformations within both Ukraine and Russia, the massive refugee crisis that reshaped Europe, the terrifying reality of life under occupation, and the psychological trauma inflicted on millions. Readers will gain insight into the global repercussions that reverberated through energy markets, food supply chains, and geopolitical alliances, while also understanding the international response that forged an unprecedented coalition for Ukraine.

As a "first draft of history" written during the ongoing conflict, this book provides readers with a factual, clear-eyed foundation for understanding a war that has already defined a decade and will undoubtedly shape global affairs for years to come. It examines the war crimes investigations pursuing accountability, analyzes the elusive path to peace through diplomatic efforts, and presents the stark reality of the stalemate that characterized the conflict in mid-2025 - offering essential context for anyone seeking to comprehend this pivotal moment in world history.

What You'll Find Inside:

• The book traces the conflict's origins from medieval Kievan Rus' through Soviet policies like the Holodomor and Russification, revealing how competing historical narratives shaped the path to war.
• It provides a chronological account of the war's evolution: from the 2014 Crimean annexation and Donbas insurgency through the 2022 full-scale invasion, Kyiv's defense, and subsequent phases of attritional warfare.
• Readers will gain insight into how 21st-century technology—including drones, AI, cyber warfare, and standoff weapons—has transformed combat, with Ukraine leveraging asymmetric advantages against Russia's conventional forces.
• The text analyzes the war's global impact, detailing how it triggered energy and food security crises, accelerated NATO expansion with Finland and Sweden's membership, and reshaped international alliances and economic relationships.
• It documents the profound human cost through refugee displacement statistics, casualty estimates, evidence of war crimes and occupation atrocities, and the psychological trauma affecting civilian populations and soldiers.

Who's It For:

This book is ideal for students and scholars of international relations, history, and political science seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Russo-Ukrainian War's origins, progression, and global implications. Policy makers, security analysts, and military professionals will find valuable insights into modern warfare tactics, sanctions effectiveness, and geopolitical realignments resulting from the conflict. Journalists covering Eastern European affairs and informed citizens looking to move beyond headlines to grasp the war's historical context, humanitarian dimensions, and long-term significance will also benefit from this detailed chronicle.