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A Bunker in Kyiv: The Astonishing Story of the People's Army Defying Putin
A riveting account of courageous resistance from the bestselling author of Balcony Over Jerusalem
On 24 February 2022, residents of Kyiv, Ukraine, woke to the sound of explosions and gunfire as Russian forces attempted to seize Hostomel Airport. It marked the beginning of the first land war in Europe since World War II. Under the leadership of the charismatic Volodymyr Zelensky, a militarised resistance and a civilian army of volunteers combined to defy Vladimir Putin.
By day, visitors to Kyiv might mistake it for any other charming European city. But when night falls, sirens wail and citizens sleep in bathrooms and bunkers to escape the persistent dangers of incoming missiles. This war is fought daily on both the front lines and the home front. Resourceful civilians - from old punk rockers and bikers to university professors and corporate brand managers - provide every bit of help they can, outwitting and outmanoeuvring the Russian army with drones, cyber tech and sheer ingenuity.
As Ukraine's long-term future captures the focus of global leaders in Russia, Europe and the US, veteran journalist and ABC Global Affairs Editor John Lyons takes readers into the heart of a nation under siege. He interviews Ukrainians who stand tall in the face of an increasingly brutal conflict and an uncertain future. These are the stories of ordinary civilians making extraordinary contributions, determined to fight back in every way possible to ensure the survival of themselves, their families, and the soul of their nation.
On 24 February 2022, residents of Kyiv, Ukraine, woke to the sound of explosions and gunfire as Russian forces attempted to seize Hostomel Airport. It marked the beginning of the first land war in Europe since World War II. Under the leadership of the charismatic Volodymyr Zelensky, a militarised resistance and a civilian army of volunteers combined to defy Vladimir Putin.
By day, visitors to Kyiv might mistake it for any other charming European city. But when night falls, sirens wail and citizens sleep in bathrooms and bunkers to escape the persistent dangers of incoming missiles. This war is fought daily on both the front lines and the home front. Resourceful civilians - from old punk rockers and bikers to university professors and corporate brand managers - provide every bit of help they can, outwitting and outmanoeuvring the Russian army with drones, cyber tech and sheer ingenuity.
As Ukraine's long-term future captures the focus of global leaders in Russia, Europe and the US, veteran journalist and ABC Global Affairs Editor John Lyons takes readers into the heart of a nation under siege. He interviews Ukrainians who stand tall in the face of an increasingly brutal conflict and an uncertain future. These are the stories of ordinary civilians making extraordinary contributions, determined to fight back in every way possible to ensure the survival of themselves, their families, and the soul of their nation.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
49 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
John Lyons
130 books31 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Sir John Lyons, LittD, FBA, is an English linguist, working on semantics. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lyo...]
Sir John Lyons, LittD, FBA, is an English linguist, working on semantics. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lyo...]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 22, 2025
A Bunker in Kyiv details how an entire population swung into action to save their country. These are stories of resilience, courage and human triumph in the face of adversity. It’s compulsory reading.
“It’s the middle of the night and I’m writing this from a bunker in Ukraine. Russians have just fired a new barrage of missiles towards us and no-one is sure where they’re going to land.”
Award-winning journalist, John Lyons, immediately drew me into these stories, highlighting the human aspects of the conflict. I only intended to flick through a few pages but found it impossible to put it down.
“…what Putin and his military command did not take into account was the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people.”
John has a remarkable ability to find the true heart of the story. He makes otherwise complex information easier for readers to digest, often presenting mind-boggling facts, while always maintaining high level reporting. A Bunker in Kyiv is investigative journalism at its best.
We’re placed alongside the lives of ordinary Ukrainians in their everyday battle. Thanks to extensive interviews conducted by John and Sylvie during their time in Ukraine, we come to know these people as if they’re our friends. I felt instant admiration and respect for those sharing their experiences. It’s both harrowing and life-affirming.
We have punk rockers building drones, others constructing medical clinics, while some establish valuable programs, such as Behind Blue Eyes and Spirit Warrior – the latter using animal therapy to alleviate trauma suffered by soldiers. It was often reinforced how this was not solely Ukraine’s war. It was fascinating to read the perspective of Jack, an Australian fighting for Ukraine.
“I believe that the Ukrainians deserve a life similar to what we get free in Australia. We all take that for granted, and I want everyone to experience the life that I got without having to fight for it.”
In a book filled with various hardships, some of the toughest chapters detailed how the war has impacted the children of Ukraine. A powerful exhibition, Unissued Diplomas, is also talked about – I’ll never forget the likes of Leah Krylova, who perished with her entire family, or Masha and her beloved hamsters.
There are chapters profiling both Zelensky and Putin towards the end. These were quite interesting and I learned plenty about each that I didn’t already know - I’m still digesting the immense scale of Putin’s Palace on the Black Sea coast.
Equal parts riveting, eye-opening and inspiring, A Bunker in Kyiv would seem destined to win awards, or at least, forever linger in the minds and hearts of readers.
Olena, a Ukrainian that spoke with John and Silvie about the impact of war, perhaps best described how I feel after reading this book:
“I have become more aware that I have only one life and that I need to make more conscious choices of how to live it.”
Recommend.
“It’s the middle of the night and I’m writing this from a bunker in Ukraine. Russians have just fired a new barrage of missiles towards us and no-one is sure where they’re going to land.”
Award-winning journalist, John Lyons, immediately drew me into these stories, highlighting the human aspects of the conflict. I only intended to flick through a few pages but found it impossible to put it down.
“…what Putin and his military command did not take into account was the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people.”
John has a remarkable ability to find the true heart of the story. He makes otherwise complex information easier for readers to digest, often presenting mind-boggling facts, while always maintaining high level reporting. A Bunker in Kyiv is investigative journalism at its best.
We’re placed alongside the lives of ordinary Ukrainians in their everyday battle. Thanks to extensive interviews conducted by John and Sylvie during their time in Ukraine, we come to know these people as if they’re our friends. I felt instant admiration and respect for those sharing their experiences. It’s both harrowing and life-affirming.
We have punk rockers building drones, others constructing medical clinics, while some establish valuable programs, such as Behind Blue Eyes and Spirit Warrior – the latter using animal therapy to alleviate trauma suffered by soldiers. It was often reinforced how this was not solely Ukraine’s war. It was fascinating to read the perspective of Jack, an Australian fighting for Ukraine.
“I believe that the Ukrainians deserve a life similar to what we get free in Australia. We all take that for granted, and I want everyone to experience the life that I got without having to fight for it.”
In a book filled with various hardships, some of the toughest chapters detailed how the war has impacted the children of Ukraine. A powerful exhibition, Unissued Diplomas, is also talked about – I’ll never forget the likes of Leah Krylova, who perished with her entire family, or Masha and her beloved hamsters.
There are chapters profiling both Zelensky and Putin towards the end. These were quite interesting and I learned plenty about each that I didn’t already know - I’m still digesting the immense scale of Putin’s Palace on the Black Sea coast.
Equal parts riveting, eye-opening and inspiring, A Bunker in Kyiv would seem destined to win awards, or at least, forever linger in the minds and hearts of readers.
Olena, a Ukrainian that spoke with John and Silvie about the impact of war, perhaps best described how I feel after reading this book:
“I have become more aware that I have only one life and that I need to make more conscious choices of how to live it.”
Recommend.
June 20, 2025
Strong contender for fave non-fiction book of 2025. A must-read.
June 18, 2025
I read Lyons’ Balcony over Jerusalem, he made many astute and succinct comments about the Middle East and the conflicts in the region, especially between the Israelis and Palestinians. So, when this book became available, I decided to dive into it.
My first interaction with anything Ukrainian was my love of Chicken Kiev. As a young man growing up in white bread Sydney this was the most exotic dish I ate. My culinary interests have certainly widened since then, but when I finish this book, I think I will cook it to celebrate my love of things Ukrainian.
About a decade and half ago I met a stunning young woman at the gym. I thought she was Russian, a terrible blunder! The friendship never passed the gym mates stage but as her mother still lived in Ukraine I would often ask her about her country. She seemed dismissive because of all the corruption. In my travels in SE Asia, I have met some Ukrainian people. I respond by asking them if I can give them a hug to express my love and support of them and their country.
Lyons is the ABC Global Affairs Editor, and he has written a personal account of his time in Ukraine and the hundreds of Ukrainians that he and his wife Sylvie met and spoke with. They visited Ukraine on three occasions.
I clearly remember news stories in the weeks leading up to 24 February 2022 about the possible invasion of Ukraine by Putin and how many Ukrainians thought it wouldn’t happen. Lyons retells the story of that fateful morning when the Ukrainians woke to the realisation that Putin had sent Russian troops into their country. He tells the personal stories of so many citizens, their shock and then their reactions and response. This is the essence of this book. Lyons explores the lives, the challenges, and the successes of everyday normal Ukrainians and their diligent efforts to repel the invading Russians.
The book is a polemic on the brutal tyrant of Russia and his wild dreams of re-creating the greatness of the Soviet Union. The author discusses the history and links between the two peoples, Ukrainian and Russian and how there is hatred towards not only Putin, but the Russian people.
Lyons and his wife returned to Kyiv to spend time in the city. He writes vividly of the sophisticated European city of Kyiv and its dissociative identity disorder (DID). It is a bustling working city during the day but when night arrives it becomes a darken city of empty streets, closed bars and restaurants, and a place haunted by the cry and wail of sirens and subsequent missile screams and explosions as Putin sends in his forces to attack the civilian population.
One of the most distressing parts of the book is when Lyon reads the names of so many young people who had dreams, plans and aspirations who have been killed since the conflict started. It was part of an exhibition that came to Australia.
Understandably Lyons does not seek to present the Russian side of the invasion. He does mention a comment by some Russian soldiers who expressed envy at the lifestyle of the Ukrainian people. I heard Russian soldiers said this when they reached Germany near the end of WW2.
Through the chapters of his book Lyon mentions that taxation and borrowing that Ukrainians have to make to pay for this war. The effect of the war on children, the use of the internet to stifle Russian cyber-attacks, the manufacture of drones, the involvement of outsiders in assisting the Ukrainians.
His concluding chapters analyze the success of Zelensky in leading Ukraine, he mentions the useless clown in the White House, the inability of previous American presidents to deal successfully with Putin.
So, what does the future hold for this war-ravaged country and its courageous people? No one really knows, the best we can say is that the war will continue on for perhaps years to come. It is a sad and unpredictable ending to a major tragedy of the twenty first century.
My first interaction with anything Ukrainian was my love of Chicken Kiev. As a young man growing up in white bread Sydney this was the most exotic dish I ate. My culinary interests have certainly widened since then, but when I finish this book, I think I will cook it to celebrate my love of things Ukrainian.
About a decade and half ago I met a stunning young woman at the gym. I thought she was Russian, a terrible blunder! The friendship never passed the gym mates stage but as her mother still lived in Ukraine I would often ask her about her country. She seemed dismissive because of all the corruption. In my travels in SE Asia, I have met some Ukrainian people. I respond by asking them if I can give them a hug to express my love and support of them and their country.
Lyons is the ABC Global Affairs Editor, and he has written a personal account of his time in Ukraine and the hundreds of Ukrainians that he and his wife Sylvie met and spoke with. They visited Ukraine on three occasions.
I clearly remember news stories in the weeks leading up to 24 February 2022 about the possible invasion of Ukraine by Putin and how many Ukrainians thought it wouldn’t happen. Lyons retells the story of that fateful morning when the Ukrainians woke to the realisation that Putin had sent Russian troops into their country. He tells the personal stories of so many citizens, their shock and then their reactions and response. This is the essence of this book. Lyons explores the lives, the challenges, and the successes of everyday normal Ukrainians and their diligent efforts to repel the invading Russians.
The book is a polemic on the brutal tyrant of Russia and his wild dreams of re-creating the greatness of the Soviet Union. The author discusses the history and links between the two peoples, Ukrainian and Russian and how there is hatred towards not only Putin, but the Russian people.
Lyons and his wife returned to Kyiv to spend time in the city. He writes vividly of the sophisticated European city of Kyiv and its dissociative identity disorder (DID). It is a bustling working city during the day but when night arrives it becomes a darken city of empty streets, closed bars and restaurants, and a place haunted by the cry and wail of sirens and subsequent missile screams and explosions as Putin sends in his forces to attack the civilian population.
One of the most distressing parts of the book is when Lyon reads the names of so many young people who had dreams, plans and aspirations who have been killed since the conflict started. It was part of an exhibition that came to Australia.
Understandably Lyons does not seek to present the Russian side of the invasion. He does mention a comment by some Russian soldiers who expressed envy at the lifestyle of the Ukrainian people. I heard Russian soldiers said this when they reached Germany near the end of WW2.
Through the chapters of his book Lyon mentions that taxation and borrowing that Ukrainians have to make to pay for this war. The effect of the war on children, the use of the internet to stifle Russian cyber-attacks, the manufacture of drones, the involvement of outsiders in assisting the Ukrainians.
His concluding chapters analyze the success of Zelensky in leading Ukraine, he mentions the useless clown in the White House, the inability of previous American presidents to deal successfully with Putin.
So, what does the future hold for this war-ravaged country and its courageous people? No one really knows, the best we can say is that the war will continue on for perhaps years to come. It is a sad and unpredictable ending to a major tragedy of the twenty first century.
January 16, 2026
Fastest I’ve ever read (and will probably read) a non-fiction book.
Incredible way to illustrate the importance of western support in the war effort, while also bringing out the necessary elements that show Ukraine’s resiliency on its own as a country. A powerful, informative - yet easily digestible read.
Also enjoyed the pictures at the end that connected faces to the vast amount of stories shared.
Incredible way to illustrate the importance of western support in the war effort, while also bringing out the necessary elements that show Ukraine’s resiliency on its own as a country. A powerful, informative - yet easily digestible read.
Also enjoyed the pictures at the end that connected faces to the vast amount of stories shared.
May 28, 2025
In his book, “A Bunker in Kyiv,” Australian journalist John Lyons reports life in war-torn Ukraine with a mix of solid reporting and warm, moving heart. This is not “both sides” reporting here and is this war, the only side with a genuine story to tell is Ukraine. Lyons tells it well. His reporting of the lives of Ukrainians is powerful. His reporting on Putin is chilling and his reporting on Tr*mp is a reminder of how wrong America was to re-elect such a buffoon. Thanks to #netgalley and #abcbooks for the chance to preview #abunkerinkyiv
May 30, 2025
Just finished this book - couldn't put it down. Powerful mix of everyday Ukrainian voices and big-picture war analysis. Raw, human, and essential. A must-read if you want to really understand what’s happening on the ground.
January 22, 2026
An important book about the war on Ukraine from an Australian journalist who has been on the front lines of Ukraine, has interviewed many Ukrainians for this book [their stories will absolutely break your heart], and has used his own thoughts and memories as well from his time there.
Well-written, this book brings you into the very heart of Ukraine [and into the heart of its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy], while also giving the reader an analysis of the bigger picture of the politics of war and how they all got to this point.
This book will anger you, shock you, and will absolutely bring you to tears. It will also help you to never forget the people of Ukraine.
Thank you to NetGalley, John Lyons, Sylvie Le Clezio, and Harper360 for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well-written, this book brings you into the very heart of Ukraine [and into the heart of its leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy], while also giving the reader an analysis of the bigger picture of the politics of war and how they all got to this point.
This book will anger you, shock you, and will absolutely bring you to tears. It will also help you to never forget the people of Ukraine.
Thank you to NetGalley, John Lyons, Sylvie Le Clezio, and Harper360 for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2025
Brilliant
The best kind of journalism - insights into the impacts of the war on the Ukrainian people and their inspirational responses.
The best kind of journalism - insights into the impacts of the war on the Ukrainian people and their inspirational responses.
June 26, 2025
An “as it happened” story of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Well written warts and all. The story needed telling.
June 16, 2025
(The English review is placed beneath the Russian one)
И снова у нас ура-патриотическая украинская литература, в которой люди говорят не то, что они на самом деле думают, а то, что нужно говорить иностранцу, приезжающему из Европы или США, если тот сегодня посещает Украину. Второй главной проблемой является избыток однообразных идей и того образа, который рисует чуть ли не каждая книга на тему российско-украинского конфликта. Я хотел прочесть книгу целиком, но последнюю четверть просто не осилил по причине однообразия. Как я сказал выше, в книге одна и та же идея повторяется неисчислимое количество раз. Я говорю про идею связанную с языком и культурой. Кажется, причём тут язык и культура, если Путин ведёт войну за политический контроль над Украиной, а не на за то, на каком языке будут разговаривать в Украине и какие предметы культуры будут там потребляться?
With the invasion of Ukraine on 24 February also came something dramatic: a rebirth of the Ukrainian identity. Just as Gallipoli is mythically referred to as Australia’s baptism by fire, Anastasiia says the war in Ukraine has given her a new understanding of what it means to be Ukrainian. Growing up, she had felt submersed in Russian culture as a result of the ‘propaganda of all those years’. Anastasiia says she was taught to think that Ukrainians and Russians are very similar, but now she has realised their culture is very different. ‘Before this war I did not have much awareness of what nationality means or what my culture is,’ she says, ‘and suddenly I have this huge legacy, this huge background behind me. It means a lot to realise who you are, where you are from and what it means. Suddenly I am Ukrainian.’
<…>
So is it cool to be Ukrainian now? ‘Yes, I am very proud!’ Olena says. ‘Being Ukrainian now is knowing who you are, knowing your strength. I am honestly scared on the inside. But you think, let’s be peaceful, be kind.
Как во всякой литературе такого типа, книга хочет показать, что не просто часть украинского общества воюет с Путиным, а вся страна в едином порыве находится на переднем краю в борьбе с путинской Россией. Если не знать о реальном состоянии дел в Украине, можно даже поверить в такую идеалистическую картинку. На самом же деле ситуация намного сложнее. Я говорю главным образом про действия ТЦК в Украине, про многочисленных уклонистов от мобилизации, про коррупцию, которая даже в такой трудный для страны час продолжает процветать и про весь тот бардак, что сопутствует всему этому. То, что происходит сегодня в Украине с мобилизацией и как украинские власти делают всё возможное, чтобы не дать мужчинам покинуть территорию Украины, показывает, что вовсе не вся страна и вовсе не в едином порыве отправилась на фронт, как то хочет показать эта книга. Опасность в падания в крайности – вот что автор не учёл.
…almost every person you meet is involved one way or another in the war against Russia. The only way Ukraine can win a war against a bigger and better resourced enemy is for millions of its citizens to draw on their various skill sets. And as I discovered, those everyday skills have emerged as useful in the most creative ways.
<…>
They often say that Russia is fighting not just against the Ukrainian army but against the entire Ukrainian people.
<…>
‘One thing I can tell you is that the Ukrainian soldiers eat well,’ says Cyrile Amoursky, a French-Russian journalist who’s spent time at the Ukrainian front line. In a documentary he made, Ukrainian soldiers tell how much a well-cooked meal served hot lifts their spirits.
Если в 2022 – начале 2023 года эти слова и выглядели как отражение реальности, то сегодня они, в лучшем случаи, является неполным отражением того что происходит на самом деле. Возможно, автор в конце книги и написал про сложную ситуацию с мобилизацией граждан в украинскую армию, однако большая часть книги создаёт ощущение, что всё ok с этим. По существу, это предоставление читателю искажённой картины того что происходит в реальности.
Так же в книге есть настолько странные высказывания, что непонятно, зачем автор их включил.
Vitiuk says. ‘Our president is a hero, and the understanding of it gives us power to continue to be more courageous, more brave, and ready to pay the ultimate price because he showed us that he’s ready by staying here in Kyiv . . .
Тот, кто обещал принести мир, принёс войну. Ну не знаю, можно ли Зеленского в 2025 году назвать «героем». С моей точки зрения, героем он был, и мир действительно воспринимал его в качестве героя, но лишь с начала 2022 по начало 2023, но потом его слава героя медленно, но верно стала закатываться. Нельзя сказать, что причиной этого стали военные неудачи украинской армии или успешная внешнеполитическая политика Путина. Думаю, причиной является комплекс проблем, включая странную позицию Запада. Я помню отчетливо, с какого момента этот герой перестал восприниматься героем в англоязычных СМИ. Это началось сразу после начало военной операции Израиля против ХАМАС в Газе. Именно тогда все мировые СМИ сменили тему, но потом,…а потом Зеленского всё меньше и меньше стали изображать в сиянии фанфар. Трудно сказать, почему так произошло точно, но героем он быть перестал именно в это время. Да, его ещё показывали, но уже без того налёта геройства которое все мы наблюдали на всём протяжении 2022 года. Но возможно в Украине он до сих пор герой? Может быть, а может быть, и нет. Ведь ведя боевые действия, страны ведут подрывную деятельность не только на поле боя, но и в информационном пространстве. Поэтому такие слова сегодня могут восприниматься очень и очень неоднозначно.
Vitiuk adds that this hatred goes beyond Putin and onto the whole Russian people, regardless of whether they are strongly supporting him or simply neutral. ‘They’re not doing anything to stop this war. And we do believe that these people are also responsible, and they will also have to pay the price for that.’
Во-первых, хочется спросить Виталика (или Витьюка): в советской России на главную площадь страны вышло протестовать 8 человек, а сколько людей вышло на Крещатик в советской Украине во время подавление советской армией «Пражской весны» в 1968 году? Почему белорусский народ ничего не предпринял в начале 2022, ведь именно с территории Белоруссии шло наступление на Киев и, если я не ошибаюсь, запускались баллистические ракеты? Почему американский народ ничего не предпринял, чтобы не дать начаться войне во Вьетнаме и Ираке, ведь в США демократическая форма правления, в отличие от СССР и нынешней России? В общем, красивые, но бессмысленные слова, ибо такие решения принимает элита страны, а не простой народ, особенно в стране, в которой от этого народа ничего не зависит (как это имело место в СССР). Впрочем, сегодня такие слова даже опасны учитывая перспективу того, что с этим российским народом придётся договариваться по вопросу возвращения территорий. Конечно, может так сложиться в итоге, что и не придётся договариваться, но может быть придётся даже в том случаи, если на смену путинскому диктаторскому режиму придёт демократическое правительство. Даже в таком случаи, учитывая ситуацию и настроения населения ДНР и ЛНР, возможно придётся именно что искать компромиссы. И это я не говорю про преследования тех солдат российской армии, что совершили военные преступления. Без поддержки со стороны российского общества или как минимум без его противодействия, наказать этих людей, как и оказывать финансовую помощь Украине (со стороны России), будет затруднительно.
Во-вторых, касаемо последнего предложения. Это красивые и грозные слова, но сегодня в эти слова очень трудно верится, если только не брать в расчёт гибель гражданских в белгородской и курской областях. В целом же, хочется спросить автора этой книги, если он включил эту фразу в свою книгу, как он видит себе реализацию последней фразы в вышеприведённом предложении? Кто заставит россиян, причём всех россиян, платить цену, и какова цена? Автор на полном серьёзе верит в украинские танки на Красной площади? Если нет, то зачем нужно было вставлять в книгу такую пафосную фразу, если за ней реально ничего не стоит? Я хочу подчеркнуть, что у меня претензия не к Витьюку, т.к. я его могу понять (но не принять), а у меня претензия именно к автору, которому не следовало такие слова включать в книгу, особенно учитывая, что автор не рискует своей жизнью каждый день и не будет вынужден жить в стране, у которой имеется такой сосед как Россия.
‘We do see that this willingness and understanding of all the democratic world, that Russia in the way it exists now should stop existing, is clear and obvious.’
Вот на этой фразе я и остановился, ибо читать дальше, смысла нет.
Once again, we have hurrapatriotismus Ukrainian literature, in which people say not what they really think but what should be said to a foreigner coming from Europe or the United States if he or she is visiting Ukraine today. The second main problem is the excess of monotonous ideas and the image that almost every book on the topic of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict paints. I wanted to read the whole book, but I just couldn't get through the last quarter because of the monotony. As I said above, the same idea is repeated countless times (in the book). I'm talking about the idea of language and culture. What does language and culture have to do with Putin waging war for political control of Ukraine, not what language will be spoken in Ukraine and what cultural items will be consumed there?
With the invasion of Ukraine on 24 February also came something dramatic: a rebirth of the Ukrainian identity. Just as Gallipoli is mythically referred to as Australia’s baptism by fire, Anastasiia says the war in Ukraine has given her a new understanding of what it means to be Ukrainian. Growing up, she had felt submersed in Russian culture as a result of the ‘propaganda of all those years’. Anastasiia says she was taught to think that Ukrainians and Russians are very similar, but now she has realised their culture is very different. ‘Before this war I did not have much awareness of what nationality means or what my culture is,’ she says, ‘and suddenly I have this huge legacy, this huge background behind me. It means a lot to realise who you are, where you are from and what it means. Suddenly I am Ukrainian.’
<…>
So is it cool to be Ukrainian now? ‘Yes, I am very proud!’ Olena says. ‘Being Ukrainian now is knowing who you are, knowing your strength. I am honestly scared on the inside. But you think, let’s be peaceful, be kind.
As in all literature of this type, the book wants to show that not just a part of Ukrainian society is at war with Putin but that the whole country is on the front line in a united effort to fight Putin's Russia. If one does not know about the real state of affairs in Ukraine, one can even believe in such an idealistic picture. In reality, the situation is much more complicated. I am speaking mainly about the actions of the TCC in Ukraine, the numerous evaders from mobilization and corruption, which even, in such a difficult hour for the country, continues to flourish, and the mess that accompanies all this. What is happening in Ukraine today with mobilization and how the Ukrainian authorities are doing everything possible to prevent men from leaving the territory of Ukraine shows that not the whole country and not in a single impulse went to the front, as this book wants to show. The danger of falling to extremes is what the author has not taken into account.
…almost every person you meet is involved one way or another in the war against Russia. The only way Ukraine can win a war against a bigger and better resourced enemy is for millions of its citizens to draw on their various skill sets. And as I discovered, those everyday skills have emerged as useful in the most creative ways.
<…>
They often say that Russia is fighting not just against the Ukrainian army but against the entire Ukrainian people.
<…>
‘One thing I can tell you is that the Ukrainian soldiers eat well,’ says Cyrile Amoursky, a French-Russian journalist who’s spent time at the Ukrainian front line. In a documentary he made, Ukrainian soldiers tell how much a well-cooked meal served hot lifts their spirits.
If in 2022 and early 2023 these words looked like a reflection of reality, today they are, at best, an incomplete reflection of what is actually happening. The author may have written at the end of the book about the difficult situation with the mobilization of citizens into the Ukrainian army, but most of the book gives the impression that everything is ok with it. In fact, it gives the reader a distorted picture of what is happening in reality.
There are also strange statements in the book that it is not clear why the author included them.
Vitiuk says. ‘Our president is a hero, and the understanding of it gives us power to continue to be more courageous, more brave, and ready to pay the ultimate price because he showed us that he’s ready by staying here in Kyiv . . .
He who promised to bring peace brought war. I don't know if Zelensky can be called a “hero” in 2025. From my point of view, he was a hero, and the world did perceive him as a hero, but only from the beginning of 2022 to the beginning of 2023, then his fame as a hero slowly but surely began to fade. We can't say that the reason for this is the military failures of the Ukrainian army or Putin's successful foreign policy. I think the reason is a complex of problems, including the strange position of the West. I remember clearly at what point this hero ceased to be perceived as a hero in the English-language media. It started right after the beginning of Israel's military operation against Hamas in Gaza. It was then that all the world's media changed the subject, but then...then Zelensky was portrayed less and less in the glow of fanfare. It's hard to say exactly why that happened, but he stopped being a hero at that time. Yes, he was still shown, but without that touch of heroism that we all saw throughout 2022. But maybe he is still a hero in Ukraine? Maybe, maybe not. After all, when fighting, countries are subversive not only on the battlefield but also in the information space. Therefore, such words can be perceived very, very ambiguously today.
Vitiuk adds that this hatred goes beyond Putin and onto the whole Russian people, regardless of whether they are strongly supporting him or simply neutral. ‘They’re not doing anything to stop this war. And we do believe that these people are also responsible, and they will also have to pay the price for that.’
First, I would like to ask Vitiuk: in Soviet Russia, 8 people protested on the main square of the country, but how many people protested on Khreshchatyk in Soviet Ukraine during the suppression of the “Prague Spring” by the Soviet army in 1968? Why didn't the Belarusian people do anything in early 2022 because it was from the territory of Belarus that the attack on Kiev was launched and, if I'm not mistaken, ballistic missiles were launched? Why didn't the American people do anything to prevent the war in Vietnam and Iraq from starting because the USA has a democratic form of government, unlike the USSR and present-day Russia? In general, beautiful but meaningless words because such decisions are made by the elite of the country, not by ordinary people, especially in a country where nothing depends on these people (as was the case in the USSR). However, today, such words are even more dangerous given the prospect of having to negotiate with the Russian people on the return of territories. Of course, it may turn out that they will not have to negotiate, but they may have to do so even if Putin's dictatorial regime is replaced by a democratic government. Even in such a case, given the situation and the mood of the population of the DNR and LNR, compromises may have to be sought. And I am not talking about the persecution of those soldiers of the Russian army who committed war crimes. Without the support of Russian society, or at least without its opposition, it will be difficult to punish these people, as well as to provide financial assistance to Ukraine (from Russia).
Secondly, regarding the last sentence. These are beautiful and formidable words, but today it is very hard to believe in these words unless we take into account the deaths of civilians in the Belgorod and Kursk regions. In general, I would like to ask the author of this book, because he included this phrase in his book, how does he see the realization of the last phrase in the above sentence? Who will make Russians pay the price, and what is the price? Does the author seriously believe in Ukrainian tanks on Red Square? If not, why did he put such a pathos phrase in the book if there is nothing behind it? I want to emphasize that my complaint is not with Vitiuk, as I can understand him (but not accept him), but with the author, who should not have included such words in the book, especially considering that the author does not risk his life every day and will not be forced to live in a country that has such a neighbor as Russia.
‘We do see that this willingness and understanding of all the democratic world, that Russia in the way it exists now should stop existing, is clear and obvious.’
That's where I stopped because there's no point in reading further.
И снова у нас ура-патриотическая украинская литература, в которой люди говорят не то, что они на самом деле думают, а то, что нужно говорить иностранцу, приезжающему из Европы или США, если тот сегодня посещает Украину. Второй главной проблемой является избыток однообразных идей и того образа, который рисует чуть ли не каждая книга на тему российско-украинского конфликта. Я хотел прочесть книгу целиком, но последнюю четверть просто не осилил по причине однообразия. Как я сказал выше, в книге одна и та же идея повторяется неисчислимое количество раз. Я говорю про идею связанную с языком и культурой. Кажется, причём тут язык и культура, если Путин ведёт войну за политический контроль над Украиной, а не на за то, на каком языке будут разговаривать в Украине и какие предметы культуры будут там потребляться?
With the invasion of Ukraine on 24 February also came something dramatic: a rebirth of the Ukrainian identity. Just as Gallipoli is mythically referred to as Australia’s baptism by fire, Anastasiia says the war in Ukraine has given her a new understanding of what it means to be Ukrainian. Growing up, she had felt submersed in Russian culture as a result of the ‘propaganda of all those years’. Anastasiia says she was taught to think that Ukrainians and Russians are very similar, but now she has realised their culture is very different. ‘Before this war I did not have much awareness of what nationality means or what my culture is,’ she says, ‘and suddenly I have this huge legacy, this huge background behind me. It means a lot to realise who you are, where you are from and what it means. Suddenly I am Ukrainian.’
<…>
So is it cool to be Ukrainian now? ‘Yes, I am very proud!’ Olena says. ‘Being Ukrainian now is knowing who you are, knowing your strength. I am honestly scared on the inside. But you think, let’s be peaceful, be kind.
Как во всякой литературе такого типа, книга хочет показать, что не просто часть украинского общества воюет с Путиным, а вся страна в едином порыве находится на переднем краю в борьбе с путинской Россией. Если не знать о реальном состоянии дел в Украине, можно даже поверить в такую идеалистическую картинку. На самом же деле ситуация намного сложнее. Я говорю главным образом про действия ТЦК в Украине, про многочисленных уклонистов от мобилизации, про коррупцию, которая даже в такой трудный для страны час продолжает процветать и про весь тот бардак, что сопутствует всему этому. То, что происходит сегодня в Украине с мобилизацией и как украинские власти делают всё возможное, чтобы не дать мужчинам покинуть территорию Украины, показывает, что вовсе не вся страна и вовсе не в едином порыве отправилась на фронт, как то хочет показать эта книга. Опасность в падания в крайности – вот что автор не учёл.
…almost every person you meet is involved one way or another in the war against Russia. The only way Ukraine can win a war against a bigger and better resourced enemy is for millions of its citizens to draw on their various skill sets. And as I discovered, those everyday skills have emerged as useful in the most creative ways.
<…>
They often say that Russia is fighting not just against the Ukrainian army but against the entire Ukrainian people.
<…>
‘One thing I can tell you is that the Ukrainian soldiers eat well,’ says Cyrile Amoursky, a French-Russian journalist who’s spent time at the Ukrainian front line. In a documentary he made, Ukrainian soldiers tell how much a well-cooked meal served hot lifts their spirits.
Если в 2022 – начале 2023 года эти слова и выглядели как отражение реальности, то сегодня они, в лучшем случаи, является неполным отражением того что происходит на самом деле. Возможно, автор в конце книги и написал про сложную ситуацию с мобилизацией граждан в украинскую армию, однако большая часть книги создаёт ощущение, что всё ok с этим. По существу, это предоставление читателю искажённой картины того что происходит в реальности.
Так же в книге есть настолько странные высказывания, что непонятно, зачем автор их включил.
Vitiuk says. ‘Our president is a hero, and the understanding of it gives us power to continue to be more courageous, more brave, and ready to pay the ultimate price because he showed us that he’s ready by staying here in Kyiv . . .
Тот, кто обещал принести мир, принёс войну. Ну не знаю, можно ли Зеленского в 2025 году назвать «героем». С моей точки зрения, героем он был, и мир действительно воспринимал его в качестве героя, но лишь с начала 2022 по начало 2023, но потом его слава героя медленно, но верно стала закатываться. Нельзя сказать, что причиной этого стали военные неудачи украинской армии или успешная внешнеполитическая политика Путина. Думаю, причиной является комплекс проблем, включая странную позицию Запада. Я помню отчетливо, с какого момента этот герой перестал восприниматься героем в англоязычных СМИ. Это началось сразу после начало военной операции Израиля против ХАМАС в Газе. Именно тогда все мировые СМИ сменили тему, но потом,…а потом Зеленского всё меньше и меньше стали изображать в сиянии фанфар. Трудно сказать, почему так произошло точно, но героем он быть перестал именно в это время. Да, его ещё показывали, но уже без того налёта геройства которое все мы наблюдали на всём протяжении 2022 года. Но возможно в Украине он до сих пор герой? Может быть, а может быть, и нет. Ведь ведя боевые действия, страны ведут подрывную деятельность не только на поле боя, но и в информационном пространстве. Поэтому такие слова сегодня могут восприниматься очень и очень неоднозначно.
Vitiuk adds that this hatred goes beyond Putin and onto the whole Russian people, regardless of whether they are strongly supporting him or simply neutral. ‘They’re not doing anything to stop this war. And we do believe that these people are also responsible, and they will also have to pay the price for that.’
Во-первых, хочется спросить Виталика (или Витьюка): в советской России на главную площадь страны вышло протестовать 8 человек, а сколько людей вышло на Крещатик в советской Украине во время подавление советской армией «Пражской весны» в 1968 году? Почему белорусский народ ничего не предпринял в начале 2022, ведь именно с территории Белоруссии шло наступление на Киев и, если я не ошибаюсь, запускались баллистические ракеты? Почему американский народ ничего не предпринял, чтобы не дать начаться войне во Вьетнаме и Ираке, ведь в США демократическая форма правления, в отличие от СССР и нынешней России? В общем, красивые, но бессмысленные слова, ибо такие решения принимает элита страны, а не простой народ, особенно в стране, в которой от этого народа ничего не зависит (как это имело место в СССР). Впрочем, сегодня такие слова даже опасны учитывая перспективу того, что с этим российским народом придётся договариваться по вопросу возвращения территорий. Конечно, может так сложиться в итоге, что и не придётся договариваться, но может быть придётся даже в том случаи, если на смену путинскому диктаторскому режиму придёт демократическое правительство. Даже в таком случаи, учитывая ситуацию и настроения населения ДНР и ЛНР, возможно придётся именно что искать компромиссы. И это я не говорю про преследования тех солдат российской армии, что совершили военные преступления. Без поддержки со стороны российского общества или как минимум без его противодействия, наказать этих людей, как и оказывать финансовую помощь Украине (со стороны России), будет затруднительно.
Во-вторых, касаемо последнего предложения. Это красивые и грозные слова, но сегодня в эти слова очень трудно верится, если только не брать в расчёт гибель гражданских в белгородской и курской областях. В целом же, хочется спросить автора этой книги, если он включил эту фразу в свою книгу, как он видит себе реализацию последней фразы в вышеприведённом предложении? Кто заставит россиян, причём всех россиян, платить цену, и какова цена? Автор на полном серьёзе верит в украинские танки на Красной площади? Если нет, то зачем нужно было вставлять в книгу такую пафосную фразу, если за ней реально ничего не стоит? Я хочу подчеркнуть, что у меня претензия не к Витьюку, т.к. я его могу понять (но не принять), а у меня претензия именно к автору, которому не следовало такие слова включать в книгу, особенно учитывая, что автор не рискует своей жизнью каждый день и не будет вынужден жить в стране, у которой имеется такой сосед как Россия.
‘We do see that this willingness and understanding of all the democratic world, that Russia in the way it exists now should stop existing, is clear and obvious.’
Вот на этой фразе я и остановился, ибо читать дальше, смысла нет.
Once again, we have hurrapatriotismus Ukrainian literature, in which people say not what they really think but what should be said to a foreigner coming from Europe or the United States if he or she is visiting Ukraine today. The second main problem is the excess of monotonous ideas and the image that almost every book on the topic of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict paints. I wanted to read the whole book, but I just couldn't get through the last quarter because of the monotony. As I said above, the same idea is repeated countless times (in the book). I'm talking about the idea of language and culture. What does language and culture have to do with Putin waging war for political control of Ukraine, not what language will be spoken in Ukraine and what cultural items will be consumed there?
With the invasion of Ukraine on 24 February also came something dramatic: a rebirth of the Ukrainian identity. Just as Gallipoli is mythically referred to as Australia’s baptism by fire, Anastasiia says the war in Ukraine has given her a new understanding of what it means to be Ukrainian. Growing up, she had felt submersed in Russian culture as a result of the ‘propaganda of all those years’. Anastasiia says she was taught to think that Ukrainians and Russians are very similar, but now she has realised their culture is very different. ‘Before this war I did not have much awareness of what nationality means or what my culture is,’ she says, ‘and suddenly I have this huge legacy, this huge background behind me. It means a lot to realise who you are, where you are from and what it means. Suddenly I am Ukrainian.’
<…>
So is it cool to be Ukrainian now? ‘Yes, I am very proud!’ Olena says. ‘Being Ukrainian now is knowing who you are, knowing your strength. I am honestly scared on the inside. But you think, let’s be peaceful, be kind.
As in all literature of this type, the book wants to show that not just a part of Ukrainian society is at war with Putin but that the whole country is on the front line in a united effort to fight Putin's Russia. If one does not know about the real state of affairs in Ukraine, one can even believe in such an idealistic picture. In reality, the situation is much more complicated. I am speaking mainly about the actions of the TCC in Ukraine, the numerous evaders from mobilization and corruption, which even, in such a difficult hour for the country, continues to flourish, and the mess that accompanies all this. What is happening in Ukraine today with mobilization and how the Ukrainian authorities are doing everything possible to prevent men from leaving the territory of Ukraine shows that not the whole country and not in a single impulse went to the front, as this book wants to show. The danger of falling to extremes is what the author has not taken into account.
…almost every person you meet is involved one way or another in the war against Russia. The only way Ukraine can win a war against a bigger and better resourced enemy is for millions of its citizens to draw on their various skill sets. And as I discovered, those everyday skills have emerged as useful in the most creative ways.
<…>
They often say that Russia is fighting not just against the Ukrainian army but against the entire Ukrainian people.
<…>
‘One thing I can tell you is that the Ukrainian soldiers eat well,’ says Cyrile Amoursky, a French-Russian journalist who’s spent time at the Ukrainian front line. In a documentary he made, Ukrainian soldiers tell how much a well-cooked meal served hot lifts their spirits.
If in 2022 and early 2023 these words looked like a reflection of reality, today they are, at best, an incomplete reflection of what is actually happening. The author may have written at the end of the book about the difficult situation with the mobilization of citizens into the Ukrainian army, but most of the book gives the impression that everything is ok with it. In fact, it gives the reader a distorted picture of what is happening in reality.
There are also strange statements in the book that it is not clear why the author included them.
Vitiuk says. ‘Our president is a hero, and the understanding of it gives us power to continue to be more courageous, more brave, and ready to pay the ultimate price because he showed us that he’s ready by staying here in Kyiv . . .
He who promised to bring peace brought war. I don't know if Zelensky can be called a “hero” in 2025. From my point of view, he was a hero, and the world did perceive him as a hero, but only from the beginning of 2022 to the beginning of 2023, then his fame as a hero slowly but surely began to fade. We can't say that the reason for this is the military failures of the Ukrainian army or Putin's successful foreign policy. I think the reason is a complex of problems, including the strange position of the West. I remember clearly at what point this hero ceased to be perceived as a hero in the English-language media. It started right after the beginning of Israel's military operation against Hamas in Gaza. It was then that all the world's media changed the subject, but then...then Zelensky was portrayed less and less in the glow of fanfare. It's hard to say exactly why that happened, but he stopped being a hero at that time. Yes, he was still shown, but without that touch of heroism that we all saw throughout 2022. But maybe he is still a hero in Ukraine? Maybe, maybe not. After all, when fighting, countries are subversive not only on the battlefield but also in the information space. Therefore, such words can be perceived very, very ambiguously today.
Vitiuk adds that this hatred goes beyond Putin and onto the whole Russian people, regardless of whether they are strongly supporting him or simply neutral. ‘They’re not doing anything to stop this war. And we do believe that these people are also responsible, and they will also have to pay the price for that.’
First, I would like to ask Vitiuk: in Soviet Russia, 8 people protested on the main square of the country, but how many people protested on Khreshchatyk in Soviet Ukraine during the suppression of the “Prague Spring” by the Soviet army in 1968? Why didn't the Belarusian people do anything in early 2022 because it was from the territory of Belarus that the attack on Kiev was launched and, if I'm not mistaken, ballistic missiles were launched? Why didn't the American people do anything to prevent the war in Vietnam and Iraq from starting because the USA has a democratic form of government, unlike the USSR and present-day Russia? In general, beautiful but meaningless words because such decisions are made by the elite of the country, not by ordinary people, especially in a country where nothing depends on these people (as was the case in the USSR). However, today, such words are even more dangerous given the prospect of having to negotiate with the Russian people on the return of territories. Of course, it may turn out that they will not have to negotiate, but they may have to do so even if Putin's dictatorial regime is replaced by a democratic government. Even in such a case, given the situation and the mood of the population of the DNR and LNR, compromises may have to be sought. And I am not talking about the persecution of those soldiers of the Russian army who committed war crimes. Without the support of Russian society, or at least without its opposition, it will be difficult to punish these people, as well as to provide financial assistance to Ukraine (from Russia).
Secondly, regarding the last sentence. These are beautiful and formidable words, but today it is very hard to believe in these words unless we take into account the deaths of civilians in the Belgorod and Kursk regions. In general, I would like to ask the author of this book, because he included this phrase in his book, how does he see the realization of the last phrase in the above sentence? Who will make Russians pay the price, and what is the price? Does the author seriously believe in Ukrainian tanks on Red Square? If not, why did he put such a pathos phrase in the book if there is nothing behind it? I want to emphasize that my complaint is not with Vitiuk, as I can understand him (but not accept him), but with the author, who should not have included such words in the book, especially considering that the author does not risk his life every day and will not be forced to live in a country that has such a neighbor as Russia.
‘We do see that this willingness and understanding of all the democratic world, that Russia in the way it exists now should stop existing, is clear and obvious.’
That's where I stopped because there's no point in reading further.
June 23, 2025
Evocative and insightful perspective on the lives of Ukrainians going about their day to day supporting the war effort. Compelling analysis on the key leaders - Zelenskyy, Putin and now Trump!
May 12, 2025
A must read!
Well written and very informative and interesting.
Well written and very informative and interesting.
June 22, 2025
An incredible story about ordinary people stepping up to defend and support their nation. The national pride of Ukrainians must have been incredible to witness, I’m very thankful to the author for providing a snapshot into the war torn country that remains dedicated to upholding their sovereignty.
I went into this book very ignorant to the going ons of the Russia/ Ukraine war. I vaguely knew when it started, and that Russia were the aggressors, but other than that I had no exposure, and to be frank, no interest as it felt inconsequential to my everyday life. After this book, I’ve grown a deep respect for present day Ukraine, developed a broadened understanding of the effects of war in modern day, and an intrigue into global politics. This book humanises war, dragging the reader into the streets of Ukraine to meets its people and feel their hurt. Both amazing and devastating, but absolutely worth exploring and discussing further. I believe education on such issues will help define Australian identity in the world as these events bring to the forefront of what is necessary to uphold ethics and morals.
Under the rubble, it was inspiring to learn about the citizens who took action to help children relearn how to express themselves and return to a sense of normality. What ever normal may look like for a country at war, supporting the younger generation will help in the years to follow. I currently work in a primary school, I can’t even imagine any of those children so close to conflict, the actions of these citizens is nothing short of heroic. I particularly loved the story following the children who were given cameras to help process what they are thinking and feeling. A heartwarming act to let these kids find ways to express themselves, I found it incredibly moving. As dangerous as Ukraine is to be right now, that story alone got me very close to booking a flight.
While on the topic of inspiring, I am enamoured by Ukraines dedication to mental health and caring about the person under the uniform. The authors spotlight on animal therapy was wonderful. My most positive take away came from the response of soldiers participating in the program, encouraging others to get involved and face their mental health challenges together.
The reader learns this war is a tragedy on both sides. Young Russians texting their families untold horrors; Russian military killing anyone that steps away from the front line; A nationwide brainwash of misinformation to enable and continue the conflict. To me, the people of Russia are also victims of this war. However, it’s difficult to make any judgement as I am a world away from this conflict, my understanding will always be limited, and I am sure the rage against Russia will be a lasting one.
To no one’s surprise, every Ukrainian wants Vladimir Putin dead. What I found confronting was the way Ukrainians hold the Russian people accountable for not revolting against their government, and by this, allowing the war to continue. It goes without saying, Russia are invading, they hold the power to stop this war whenever they choose. Simply by that fact, it becomes increasingly difficult to not villainise the entire country. When I think of Russia as the “bad guy” or “enemy”, I must remind myself this is a nation of corruption, censorship, and concealment of truth. When this war ends, my hope is the globe will punish those responsible, but not the Russian people as a whole.
As the first European land war since WWII, I understand there is a treasure trove of information to be learned about modern day warfare, however, I would also like to speak about the learned human experience garnered from this conflict. To be clear, I have the philosophical range of a spoon, so please bare with me. A Bunker in Kyiv has left me with a range of questions and thoughts about national identity and defending sovereignty. What can push a nation to take up arms against a much more powerful foe? I wonder if the value of sovereignty can only be discovered in conflict. This identity resurgence to proudly be Ukrainian, and to proudly speak Ukrainian, seems to have created a full remodel of their sense of self. The simple motion that Ukrainian identity could be stripped away was enough to empower an entire nation to fend off one of the globes superpower. How tragedy shapes identity makes me think about Australians at Gallipoli, how dormant national pride can come out when challenged in extreme circumstances, clearly seen with the absolute dedication of the people’s army in Ukraine.
In the days after finishing the last page, I did not expect the fear of all these happenings to be so controlling. My newly found intrigue into geopolitical conflicts probably needs to be paired with a happier hobby, but I think it’s very important to acknowledge the horrors of this war. Lessons from the past have slowly started to wear off, understanding the consequences of war will be a major asset in the uncertain times to come.
*I have not mentioned Volodymyr Zelenskyy in this review. I am an absolute fanboy, so anything I say would be unbelievably biased and not worth consuming. Cheers.
I went into this book very ignorant to the going ons of the Russia/ Ukraine war. I vaguely knew when it started, and that Russia were the aggressors, but other than that I had no exposure, and to be frank, no interest as it felt inconsequential to my everyday life. After this book, I’ve grown a deep respect for present day Ukraine, developed a broadened understanding of the effects of war in modern day, and an intrigue into global politics. This book humanises war, dragging the reader into the streets of Ukraine to meets its people and feel their hurt. Both amazing and devastating, but absolutely worth exploring and discussing further. I believe education on such issues will help define Australian identity in the world as these events bring to the forefront of what is necessary to uphold ethics and morals.
Under the rubble, it was inspiring to learn about the citizens who took action to help children relearn how to express themselves and return to a sense of normality. What ever normal may look like for a country at war, supporting the younger generation will help in the years to follow. I currently work in a primary school, I can’t even imagine any of those children so close to conflict, the actions of these citizens is nothing short of heroic. I particularly loved the story following the children who were given cameras to help process what they are thinking and feeling. A heartwarming act to let these kids find ways to express themselves, I found it incredibly moving. As dangerous as Ukraine is to be right now, that story alone got me very close to booking a flight.
While on the topic of inspiring, I am enamoured by Ukraines dedication to mental health and caring about the person under the uniform. The authors spotlight on animal therapy was wonderful. My most positive take away came from the response of soldiers participating in the program, encouraging others to get involved and face their mental health challenges together.
The reader learns this war is a tragedy on both sides. Young Russians texting their families untold horrors; Russian military killing anyone that steps away from the front line; A nationwide brainwash of misinformation to enable and continue the conflict. To me, the people of Russia are also victims of this war. However, it’s difficult to make any judgement as I am a world away from this conflict, my understanding will always be limited, and I am sure the rage against Russia will be a lasting one.
To no one’s surprise, every Ukrainian wants Vladimir Putin dead. What I found confronting was the way Ukrainians hold the Russian people accountable for not revolting against their government, and by this, allowing the war to continue. It goes without saying, Russia are invading, they hold the power to stop this war whenever they choose. Simply by that fact, it becomes increasingly difficult to not villainise the entire country. When I think of Russia as the “bad guy” or “enemy”, I must remind myself this is a nation of corruption, censorship, and concealment of truth. When this war ends, my hope is the globe will punish those responsible, but not the Russian people as a whole.
As the first European land war since WWII, I understand there is a treasure trove of information to be learned about modern day warfare, however, I would also like to speak about the learned human experience garnered from this conflict. To be clear, I have the philosophical range of a spoon, so please bare with me. A Bunker in Kyiv has left me with a range of questions and thoughts about national identity and defending sovereignty. What can push a nation to take up arms against a much more powerful foe? I wonder if the value of sovereignty can only be discovered in conflict. This identity resurgence to proudly be Ukrainian, and to proudly speak Ukrainian, seems to have created a full remodel of their sense of self. The simple motion that Ukrainian identity could be stripped away was enough to empower an entire nation to fend off one of the globes superpower. How tragedy shapes identity makes me think about Australians at Gallipoli, how dormant national pride can come out when challenged in extreme circumstances, clearly seen with the absolute dedication of the people’s army in Ukraine.
In the days after finishing the last page, I did not expect the fear of all these happenings to be so controlling. My newly found intrigue into geopolitical conflicts probably needs to be paired with a happier hobby, but I think it’s very important to acknowledge the horrors of this war. Lessons from the past have slowly started to wear off, understanding the consequences of war will be a major asset in the uncertain times to come.
*I have not mentioned Volodymyr Zelenskyy in this review. I am an absolute fanboy, so anything I say would be unbelievably biased and not worth consuming. Cheers.
November 26, 2025
Wars are so often reduced to maps, numbers, and noise. A Bunker in Kyiv cuts through that blur, offering something far more powerful: a clear-eyed, human account of what it feels like to live through a modern war.
John Lyons, alongside filmmaker Sylvie Le Clézio, delivers unbiased reporting at its finest. Drawing on decades of frontline experience, Lyons returned to Ukraine—not on assignment, but because he felt there was more to tell. The result is a deeply moving portrait of a nation under siege, told not through military strategy or spectacle, but through the lives of its people.
Each chapter explores a different facet of wartime life—drone warfare, medical innovation, psychological endurance—anchored by real voices. University lecturers teaching from trenches. Musicians building drones. Volunteers turning everyday skills into acts of resistance. The message is clear: in Ukraine, this isn’t just the army’s fight. Everyone is involved.
What struck me most was the echo of the Blitz spirit—that same gritty, determined energy. Everyday people coming together, doing what they can, refusing to be cowed. And it made me wonder—if the worst happened, would we rise to the challenge too?
Despite the trauma and devastation, this is ultimately a hopeful book. Lyons doesn’t sanitise the horror, but he doesn’t let despair take over either. What emerges instead is a portrait of ingenuity, solidarity, and a fierce will to endure.
The section listing university students killed—some as civilians, others who volunteered to fight—was quietly devastating. As someone working in higher education, it hit especially hard.
A Bunker in Kyiv is not just a war memoir. It’s a testament to resilience, community, and the strength of collective defiance. For anyone seeking to understand Ukraine beyond the headlines, this is essential reading.
For those of us with ties to Finland, Russia’s aggression isn’t just history—it’s deeply personal. My grandfather lived through Soviet oppression, and I grew up hearing first-hand how brutal and relentless it was. The Winter War (1939–1940) showed the world Finland’s resilience, but also served as a warning about the cost of appeasing an aggressor.
Today, Ukraine is fighting not just for its own survival, but for democracy, sovereignty, and international law. If we believe in a world where borders matter, where nations have the right to self-determination, and where might does not make right, we cannot look away.
This war is not just about Ukraine. It’s about whether aggression and imperialism will be allowed to triumph in the 21st century. Supporting Ukraine means standing up for democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order.
To quote the Estonian Foreign Minister:
“If Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine.”
I stand with Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.
John Lyons, alongside filmmaker Sylvie Le Clézio, delivers unbiased reporting at its finest. Drawing on decades of frontline experience, Lyons returned to Ukraine—not on assignment, but because he felt there was more to tell. The result is a deeply moving portrait of a nation under siege, told not through military strategy or spectacle, but through the lives of its people.
Each chapter explores a different facet of wartime life—drone warfare, medical innovation, psychological endurance—anchored by real voices. University lecturers teaching from trenches. Musicians building drones. Volunteers turning everyday skills into acts of resistance. The message is clear: in Ukraine, this isn’t just the army’s fight. Everyone is involved.
What struck me most was the echo of the Blitz spirit—that same gritty, determined energy. Everyday people coming together, doing what they can, refusing to be cowed. And it made me wonder—if the worst happened, would we rise to the challenge too?
Despite the trauma and devastation, this is ultimately a hopeful book. Lyons doesn’t sanitise the horror, but he doesn’t let despair take over either. What emerges instead is a portrait of ingenuity, solidarity, and a fierce will to endure.
The section listing university students killed—some as civilians, others who volunteered to fight—was quietly devastating. As someone working in higher education, it hit especially hard.
A Bunker in Kyiv is not just a war memoir. It’s a testament to resilience, community, and the strength of collective defiance. For anyone seeking to understand Ukraine beyond the headlines, this is essential reading.
For those of us with ties to Finland, Russia’s aggression isn’t just history—it’s deeply personal. My grandfather lived through Soviet oppression, and I grew up hearing first-hand how brutal and relentless it was. The Winter War (1939–1940) showed the world Finland’s resilience, but also served as a warning about the cost of appeasing an aggressor.
Today, Ukraine is fighting not just for its own survival, but for democracy, sovereignty, and international law. If we believe in a world where borders matter, where nations have the right to self-determination, and where might does not make right, we cannot look away.
This war is not just about Ukraine. It’s about whether aggression and imperialism will be allowed to triumph in the 21st century. Supporting Ukraine means standing up for democracy, human rights, and a rules-based international order.
To quote the Estonian Foreign Minister:
“If Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine.”
I stand with Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.
September 7, 2025
A Bunker in Kyiv is the story of how everyday, ordinary Ukrainian people are doing everything to support their country and soldiers after the invasion by r*ssia in 2022. As the war continues, lives of adults and children are changed forever as missiles fall on cities and villages and loved ones don’t come home. This book puts the spotlight on how people are helping the war effort in any way possible. It’s a testament to the Ukrainian spirit and tenacity to keep going day to day.
The book follows the authors as they meet Ukrainian people who are doing their bit (and then some) to help. Musicians have a secret hideout to build drones, while a lecturer encourages his students to modify and build new drones for military uses. Grandmas (aka babas or babusias) build camouflage nets and bikies take supplies to the front lines. A young man starts a support group for children who have seen the horrors of war by giving them a voice through photography. University lecturers organise a way for colleagues to deliver lectures from the front lines. The overarching theme of this book is that everyone is doing their best to help their country, whether they be Ukrainian, Australian or other nationalities.
The book shows that Ukrainians are strong in spirit, determined and unwilling to give up. The author seems to be a little surprised at this at times, but if you are Ukrainian or know any Ukrainians, you will know that their loyalty and determination is absolute. They are in this for the long haul. People have stopped speaking r*ssian and now only speak Ukrainian. Some feel let down by former r*ssian friends, others are resolute that those killed will not be forgotten (the book describes an exhibition that shows this in heartbreaking terms).
The story is clearly written, although there are a few typos and I’m not sure when Chicago became an American state! The later chapters on Putin and Trump provided a different kind of analysis, which will be interesting if you haven’t read much about it. I personally wanted to hear more about the Ukrainian people and how they are faring.
This is an important book, not only to keep the ongoing invasion in the spotlight so Ukraine can get more help, but to show that the Ukrainian people have their own strong identity.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The book follows the authors as they meet Ukrainian people who are doing their bit (and then some) to help. Musicians have a secret hideout to build drones, while a lecturer encourages his students to modify and build new drones for military uses. Grandmas (aka babas or babusias) build camouflage nets and bikies take supplies to the front lines. A young man starts a support group for children who have seen the horrors of war by giving them a voice through photography. University lecturers organise a way for colleagues to deliver lectures from the front lines. The overarching theme of this book is that everyone is doing their best to help their country, whether they be Ukrainian, Australian or other nationalities.
The book shows that Ukrainians are strong in spirit, determined and unwilling to give up. The author seems to be a little surprised at this at times, but if you are Ukrainian or know any Ukrainians, you will know that their loyalty and determination is absolute. They are in this for the long haul. People have stopped speaking r*ssian and now only speak Ukrainian. Some feel let down by former r*ssian friends, others are resolute that those killed will not be forgotten (the book describes an exhibition that shows this in heartbreaking terms).
The story is clearly written, although there are a few typos and I’m not sure when Chicago became an American state! The later chapters on Putin and Trump provided a different kind of analysis, which will be interesting if you haven’t read much about it. I personally wanted to hear more about the Ukrainian people and how they are faring.
This is an important book, not only to keep the ongoing invasion in the spotlight so Ukraine can get more help, but to show that the Ukrainian people have their own strong identity.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
September 26, 2025
** Some thoughts: 6:57AM (GMT+11) | Sydney, Australia (lying in bed ahead of heading out for a coffee with old friend) **
The war in Ukraine, in my view, has been overshadowed much by the terrible conflict between Israel and Palestine (although, right now, calling it a conflict doesn't seem right: we're seeing a genocide). The Ukraine war has been going on for multiple years now, that it's often quite easy for me to forget that it's even still happening, especially living so far away, here in Australia. John Lyons, however, brings this war between Ukraine and Russia (or, more appropriately, Vladimir Putin) back into the spotlight, doing so by zooming in on the empowering small scale activities of Ukrainian people, before zooming out to investigate the powerful characters involved in this battle, both now and in recent history. It's an incredibly comprehensive picture Lyons paints.
A few notable things I discovered thanks to reading A Bunker in Kyiv:
- Ukraine is a global leader in international surrogacy due to its relatively low price, widespread cultural acceptance and favourable legal framework; the war, of course, disrupted these activities.
- Those who may be "anti-war" can quickly become "pro-war" when a war arrives on their doorstep (including punk rockers).
- Ukrainians and Russians previously partnered in cyber-warfare/activities, and now, due to the war, are fighting against one another using knowledge and skills they developed together.
- An image of Ukrainians attending McDonald's during the war circulated online a few years ago, being shared on social media with the clear intent of frustrating Russian's, who no longer can visit McDonald's after it ceased operations there in May 2022 in response to the war.
- A handful of Australians have joined Ukraine's Foreign Legion to support with the war; including a man from Maitland in New South Wales.
The war in Ukraine, in my view, has been overshadowed much by the terrible conflict between Israel and Palestine (although, right now, calling it a conflict doesn't seem right: we're seeing a genocide). The Ukraine war has been going on for multiple years now, that it's often quite easy for me to forget that it's even still happening, especially living so far away, here in Australia. John Lyons, however, brings this war between Ukraine and Russia (or, more appropriately, Vladimir Putin) back into the spotlight, doing so by zooming in on the empowering small scale activities of Ukrainian people, before zooming out to investigate the powerful characters involved in this battle, both now and in recent history. It's an incredibly comprehensive picture Lyons paints.
A few notable things I discovered thanks to reading A Bunker in Kyiv:
- Ukraine is a global leader in international surrogacy due to its relatively low price, widespread cultural acceptance and favourable legal framework; the war, of course, disrupted these activities.
- Those who may be "anti-war" can quickly become "pro-war" when a war arrives on their doorstep (including punk rockers).
- Ukrainians and Russians previously partnered in cyber-warfare/activities, and now, due to the war, are fighting against one another using knowledge and skills they developed together.
- An image of Ukrainians attending McDonald's during the war circulated online a few years ago, being shared on social media with the clear intent of frustrating Russian's, who no longer can visit McDonald's after it ceased operations there in May 2022 in response to the war.
- A handful of Australians have joined Ukraine's Foreign Legion to support with the war; including a man from Maitland in New South Wales.
October 15, 2025
The personal stories made this account even more harrowing than the horrifying news reports.
John Lyons had already spent time in Ukraine as a journalist, but this is an account of a personal visit when he spoke to individual citizens to get their stories. He portrays their persistence, ingenuity and determination as they fend off the might of the Russian army.
I could not help but be amazed at what has been accomplished and hope the Ukrainian people will succeed.
Highly recommended.
A riveting account of courageous resistance from the bestselling author of Balcony Over Jerusalem On 24 February 2022, residents of Kyiv, Ukraine, woke to the sound of explosions and gunfire as Russian forces attempted to seize Hostomel Airport. It marked the beginning of the first land war in Europe since World War II. Under the leadership of the charismatic Volodymyr Zelensky, a militarised resistance and a civilian army of volunteers combined to defy Vladimir Putin. By day, visitors to Kyiv might mistake it for any other charming European city. But when night falls, sirens wail and citizens sleep in bathrooms and bunkers to escape the persistent dangers of incoming missiles. This war is fought daily on both the front lines and the home front. Resourceful civilians - from old punk rockers and bikers to university professors and corporate brand managers - provide every bit of help they can, outwitting and outmanoeuvring the Russian army with drones, cyber tech and sheer ingenuity. As Ukraine's long-term future captures the focus of global leaders in Russia, Europe and the US, veteran journalist and ABC Global Affairs Editor John Lyons takes readers into the heart of a nation under siege. He interviews Ukrainians who stand tall in the face of an increasingly brutal conflict and an uncertain future. These are the stories of ordinary civilians making extraordinary contributions, determined to fight back in every way possible to ensure the survival of themselves, their families, and the soul of their nation.
John Lyons had already spent time in Ukraine as a journalist, but this is an account of a personal visit when he spoke to individual citizens to get their stories. He portrays their persistence, ingenuity and determination as they fend off the might of the Russian army.
I could not help but be amazed at what has been accomplished and hope the Ukrainian people will succeed.
Highly recommended.
A riveting account of courageous resistance from the bestselling author of Balcony Over Jerusalem On 24 February 2022, residents of Kyiv, Ukraine, woke to the sound of explosions and gunfire as Russian forces attempted to seize Hostomel Airport. It marked the beginning of the first land war in Europe since World War II. Under the leadership of the charismatic Volodymyr Zelensky, a militarised resistance and a civilian army of volunteers combined to defy Vladimir Putin. By day, visitors to Kyiv might mistake it for any other charming European city. But when night falls, sirens wail and citizens sleep in bathrooms and bunkers to escape the persistent dangers of incoming missiles. This war is fought daily on both the front lines and the home front. Resourceful civilians - from old punk rockers and bikers to university professors and corporate brand managers - provide every bit of help they can, outwitting and outmanoeuvring the Russian army with drones, cyber tech and sheer ingenuity. As Ukraine's long-term future captures the focus of global leaders in Russia, Europe and the US, veteran journalist and ABC Global Affairs Editor John Lyons takes readers into the heart of a nation under siege. He interviews Ukrainians who stand tall in the face of an increasingly brutal conflict and an uncertain future. These are the stories of ordinary civilians making extraordinary contributions, determined to fight back in every way possible to ensure the survival of themselves, their families, and the soul of their nation.
October 18, 2025
by John Lyons (no photo)Finish date: 18.10.2025
Genre: Australian non-fiction
Rating: C
#NonFicNov
Good News: The last 5 chapters (6-10) were the most revealing:
Cyber fighters, Drone Busters and portraits of Zelensky, Putin, Trump.
The rest of the book was a description of Ukrainian life (anecdotes of various Ukrainians) in wartime.
If you have been following the news there was not much new information.
Bad News: The Ukranian political and military battlefields have changed since J. Lyons finished his book one years ago. There is so much more that WE know that is not in the book. It lessened the impact this book had on me.
Personal: The book was good....but not great. We know of Trump's smack down of Zelensky at the White House (February 2025) and Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska (August 2025).
Will this book win Walkley Award Best Book 2025? No.
August 13, 2025
It's an interesting premise for the book to focus on the efforts of Ukrainian civilians, over just the military. The accounts here are as inspiring and creative as they are devastating.
While I respect the reporting here, I think I would have preferred more details about the diverse civilian efforts. Towards the end of the book, in particular, it loses focus and reports more broadly on the unfolding geopolitical conundrums.
While this stuff is obviously important, I think it takes away from the core message of the book: the sacrifices Ukrainian civilians are making to defend their country and their culture.
While I respect the reporting here, I think I would have preferred more details about the diverse civilian efforts. Towards the end of the book, in particular, it loses focus and reports more broadly on the unfolding geopolitical conundrums.
While this stuff is obviously important, I think it takes away from the core message of the book: the sacrifices Ukrainian civilians are making to defend their country and their culture.
June 25, 2025
I had the privilege of attending an event in which John Lyons and Sylvie Le Clezio were speaking about this book so couldn't wait to dive into it and I was not disappointed. It's an easy read and hard to put down. As someone of Ukrainian heritage I feel he captured the spirit of the Ukrainian population and understood that they truly will never give up against the Russian empire. Balcony Over Jerusalem (his previous book) is another one I can't recommend highly enough.
November 28, 2025
I loved John's book 'Balcony over Jerusalem' and had everyone in my book club read it! This book didn't catch me up on anything new. John repeats alot of sentences, like we are a high school audience, and has chapters on Zelensky, Putin, and Trump that all re-iterate what we have already heard in the news. Unfortunately, I did not think this book was that great and definately not a 'bunker' book. John gives his opinion on the war at the end.
August 7, 2025
A very interesting read. Lyons and his wife spent time in Ukraine meeting and talking with a wide range of Ukrainians. A large part of the population is part of a citizens army contributing to the war effort in a myriad of highly inventive ways. Their determination to support their much loved country and defy Putin is amazing.
September 28, 2025
A masterpiece in describing what is happening.
Taking it step by step and story by story, it bring the war in Ukraine to life!
Unfortunately this should have been a book that should have never been written or read....
Given the situation, everyone should listen read or write a review for this book because it peels the layers of complexity of the situation!
Well done John!
Taking it step by step and story by story, it bring the war in Ukraine to life!
Unfortunately this should have been a book that should have never been written or read....
Given the situation, everyone should listen read or write a review for this book because it peels the layers of complexity of the situation!
Well done John!
October 1, 2025
A very interesting analysis of the way the Ukrainian people are supporting their armed forces during the atrocious war that is taking place. Probably a good indicator of how warfare will need to involve complete nations in the future as no longer will war be simply a matter of two or more armies beating the heck out of each other while the balance of the population look on.
July 25, 2025
A comprehensive look at the war in Ukraine where love of country and determination to fight is dominating the belief of the Ukrainians. Not as eye-opening (for me) as "A Balcony in Jerusalem" but essential and easy reading for anyone wanting to understand the war in the Ukraine.
7/10
7/10
August 24, 2025
(If possible) a positive look at what is happening in Ukraine with the belief and tenacity of Ukrainians wanting to protect their land. A very thorough and readable account in including chapters on Putin and Trump and the amazing strength of Zelensky.
Read by Suzie
Read by Suzie
November 11, 2025
Really inspiring stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Well written and engaging however it was very surface level. Easily could have been twice as long with twice as much detail. Regardless, a worthwhile read.
December 11, 2025
This was such an interesting book, I feel that everyone should read it. A very real insight into current affairs in Ukraine looking at the big picture and at individual people and their stories. An excellent read.
July 16, 2025
An informative and inspirational account of the Ukrainian people’s resistance, resilience and resourcefulness in combating the invasion by Russia.
August 31, 2025
Brilliant reporting of diverse human interest stories - inspiring how the country’s come together 5🇺🇦
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