Live. Fight. Survive.: An ex-British soldier’s account of courage, resistance and defiance fighting for Ukraine against Russia

by Shaun Pinner

Former British Army soldier Shaun Pinner's extraordinary first-hand account of the war in Ukraine.

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During nine years in the British Army, Shaun Pinner deployed on operations around the world, and trained in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape. He never imagined that he would be one day draw deep on that training as a prisoner of the Russians ...

But when Pinner fell in love with and married a Ukrainian woman, the couple made their home in Mariupol. Missing the camaraderie and purpose he'd relished in the Royal Anglian Regiment he joined his adopted country's military as a sniper instructor.

Four years later, the section he led was on the frontline when Vladimir Putin's forces launched their invasion.

Outnumbered and outgunned in the fiercest fighting seen in Europe since the end of the Second World War, Pinner's troops staged a fighting retreat back to Mariupol to join the remarkable, defiant last stand that captured the world's imagination. At the height of the battle, Pinner's wife urged him to 'Live. Fight. Survive.'

He fought on. Until, ordered by President Zelensky to save themselves, his platoon made a break for it. The enemy was waiting. Pinner was captured.
Over the months the followed, the former British soldier required every ounce of strength, resolve, ingenuity and dark humour to see him and his fellow prisoners of war through the savage mental and physical toll meted out by his ruthless captors. But he refused to be broken.

Live. Fight. Survive. is the breathtaking story of a soldier fighting for his home and an unforgettable account of superhuman courage, resistance and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. And a stirring testament to the power of the human spirit.

Genres: Ukraine, Nonfiction, Russia, War, Audiobook, Military Fiction, Memoir

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2023

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am still reading many articles on the war in Ukraine on a daily basis. With articles about weapons delivery, geopolitical tactics and military tactics, it is often easy to forget the many tragedies on a smaller scale. Each soldier, their friend and family have their own story to tell; each Ukrainian has their own story to tell. I believe it's important to read these stories and not forget what is on the line for every person in Ukraine.

Life. Fight. Survive. as a whole is gripping and well-written. It talks about Shaun's time before arriving in Ukraine, his marrying and living in Mariupol before the full-scale invasion and shares his time spent with the Ukrainian marines, ultimately leading to him getting captured and becoming a POW. You wouldn't wish upon your worst enemy what Shaun Pinner went through as a POW. It is horrifying to hear under what conditions POWs were held.
Overall, I especially appreciate how Shaun talked about his personal thoughts at different times throughout the story. I would recommend the book to anyone interested in the war in Ukraine.

[Allen Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, what makes it more authentic is how the writer narrates it, so he's telling he's own story. Gives interesting but unsurprising account of how the Russian military behaves in war and riddle with corruption and lies its command & political structure is.

[Andrew Alvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real eye-opener concerning modern warfare and how POWs are treated. I don't think I'd even wish the punishments Shaun and the others received on my worst enemies; truly dehumanising practices.

[Paul M Mullan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a story, what a journey.
I could not put this down, a harrowing experience at the hands of the Russians as a POW amazing he and others lived to tell the tale

[jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

a really good read! detailing shaun’s life in the ukrainian army and his awful time in russian captivity! he is such a brave man and i hope he is doing well

[Maximilian Gilles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very disturbing and authentic. Pinners story provides a new perspective into the Ukraine-War deconstructing myths of heroism and showcasing brutality.

[Arcelia Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense. 5 Stars

[Dave B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book that details the horrific treatment received at the hands of Putins captors. The trial reminds you how Britain will look in a few years with the 2tier justice system.

[ForenSeek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, if a little paint-by-numbers autobiography of a British soldier in the war in Ukraine. When russia's imperialist invasion began, Pinner was living in Mariupol with his Ukrainian wife. Being a professional soldier, he answered the call of his adopted home country, and ended up not only serving on the front but also enduring a period as a prisoner of war in russian hands. It's no "Forgotten Soldier", but it's a story definitely worth reading for anyone interested in the Ukrainian struggle for independence and freedom.

[Bjorn Kimpen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaun Pinner’s book hit me deeper than I expected. It isn’t just a story, it’s a heartbeat on every page. His honesty, his fear, his determination, his pain… You feel all of it as if you were standing beside him. There were moments I had to pause, not because the writing was heavy, but because the reality of what he lived through stayed with me. It opened my eyes, but also touched my heart in a way I didn’t see coming. This book isn’t just something you read, it’s something you carry with you. Shaun’s voice, his courage, and his humanity make this a truly unforgettable, must-read journey.

[Steve G**** · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a well-written, hard-hitting, warts-and-all account of the author’s time as a British-Ukrainian marine and a Russian prisoner of war. What struck me most profoundly was how easily, if one were to forget that this is a 21st-century story and momentarily set aside the contemporary references, it could be mistaken for a narrative from a far more distant and terrifying era. Substitute the FSB or GRU for Stalin’s NKVD or the post-war KGB, and the interrogation, torture, and psychological torment feel chillingly familiar. One is left to wonder: how much has really changed?

[Dave Giles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good if harrowing tale of a ln ex-squadie who was living in Mariupol when Russia invaded. He was already contacted to the Ukrainian army as a trainer and he was captured early and went through the ringer (to put it mildly). Like many of these books there might be some debatable elements to do with what said what etc but the core narrative doesn't need inventing.

[Dayne Pattison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and unique story about a very relevant topic. The author provided great insights and describes events in vivid detail so that you can really picture the events taking place. I did feel like the book had quite an abrupt ending (nothing is written post his release time)

[Coman Razvan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent view into a story of will, war, love and horror. True horror inflicted by barbarians.

[STEVE BALL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional

An extraordinary story of bravery, and the will to survive, told with the honestly that real fear brings.
A soldiers tale

[Ieva · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of these books you need to read.
So true story about warrior from UK, who gave everything for Ukrainian people.

[Lael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straightforward and authentic.

[Fran Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. A horror story of the disturbing brutality of those commanded by Putin. And a love story of a man so loyal to what he believes in and to his wife who became a lifeline.

[Inga Raud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nii kaasahaarav raamat!

[Hannaliisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Väga mõtlemapanev ja hea raamat. Inimeste tugevus, vastupidavus, vaprus ja elutahe on ikka uskumatud.

[Meg Pryor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an intense, disturbing, heartbreaking, yet moving story

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After watching a British military drama our girl, I came across Live, Fight, Survive by Shaun Pinner on kindle daily deals + audible version. Also my dad was in the parachute regiment , so I decided to give this book a go. This book gives you a real insight into the horrors of war. I can't imagine what Shaun and the other soldiers had to endure/ suffer during the Ukraine/ Russia War. Such an emotional read. I felt for them all.