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Ordinary Guy at War: A Ukrainian's Journey
“The title says it all—Dimko Zhluktenko’s story is that of an entire generation of Ukrainians, ordinary men and women, forced to take up arms because the murderous, delusional dictator next door decided their country was his. A powerful book about our age that is also a compelling account of war, this book should be read by anyone who cares about the future of Ukraine and indeed global politics.” —David Patrikarakos, the author of War in 140 How Social Media Is Reshaping Conflict in the Twenty-First Century
“Throughout the centuries, the Russian Empire was not just conquering peoples, but also ensuring that their stories of defiance disappeared from history. Ukrainians like Dimko Zhluktenko are breaking this centuries-old pattern. His story transcends the very personal record of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In documenting his transformation from everyday citizen and a tech guy to a warrior, Dimko represents the countless untold stories of ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of resistance that Russia would hate the rest of the world to learn.” —Maksym Eristavi, the author of Russian Colonialism 101: How to Occupy a Neighbor and Get Away with It
Ordinary Guy at A Ukrainian’s Journey is a gripping and deeply personal memoir that captures the raw reality of life during the Russo-Ukrainian War. Written by Dimko Zhluktenko, a tech specialist turned wartime volunteer, the book offers a firsthand account of survival, resilience, and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. From the first chaotic hours of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 to the years that followed, Zhluktenko takes readers on a journey through the battlefields, bomb shelters, and digital frontlines of modern warfare. With unflinching honesty, he recounts his transition from an IT professional with a passion for travel to a key figure in Ukraine’s resistance, raising millions for military technology and supporting his friends on the front lines. Eventually, driven by a deep sense of duty, he makes the life-changing decision to join the armed forces himself.
More than just a war diary, Ordinary Guy at War is a testament to the spirit of a nation fighting for its survival. Through vivid storytelling, Zhluktenko reflects on Ukraine’s complex history, drawing parallels between past struggles against Soviet oppression and the current fight for independence. He shares the emotional weight of war—grieving lost friends, enduring sleepless nights filled with air raid sirens, and witnessing the unbreakable unity of the Ukrainian people. His encounters with soldiers, civilians, and volunteers reveal the personal sacrifices behind the headlines and the human cost of defending freedom.
Written in a candid, engaging style, this book is both an intimate memoir and a broader exploration of what it means to fight for freedom in the modern world. It offers readers an insider’s perspective on the impact of war, the role of technology in contemporary conflict, and the extraordinary courage of ordinary people. Ordinary Guy at War is a must-read for those seeking to understand the human side of Ukraine’s resistance—an inspiring story of determination, sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that the world can be changed, one act of defiance at a time.
“Throughout the centuries, the Russian Empire was not just conquering peoples, but also ensuring that their stories of defiance disappeared from history. Ukrainians like Dimko Zhluktenko are breaking this centuries-old pattern. His story transcends the very personal record of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In documenting his transformation from everyday citizen and a tech guy to a warrior, Dimko represents the countless untold stories of ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of resistance that Russia would hate the rest of the world to learn.” —Maksym Eristavi, the author of Russian Colonialism 101: How to Occupy a Neighbor and Get Away with It
Ordinary Guy at A Ukrainian’s Journey is a gripping and deeply personal memoir that captures the raw reality of life during the Russo-Ukrainian War. Written by Dimko Zhluktenko, a tech specialist turned wartime volunteer, the book offers a firsthand account of survival, resilience, and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. From the first chaotic hours of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 to the years that followed, Zhluktenko takes readers on a journey through the battlefields, bomb shelters, and digital frontlines of modern warfare. With unflinching honesty, he recounts his transition from an IT professional with a passion for travel to a key figure in Ukraine’s resistance, raising millions for military technology and supporting his friends on the front lines. Eventually, driven by a deep sense of duty, he makes the life-changing decision to join the armed forces himself.
More than just a war diary, Ordinary Guy at War is a testament to the spirit of a nation fighting for its survival. Through vivid storytelling, Zhluktenko reflects on Ukraine’s complex history, drawing parallels between past struggles against Soviet oppression and the current fight for independence. He shares the emotional weight of war—grieving lost friends, enduring sleepless nights filled with air raid sirens, and witnessing the unbreakable unity of the Ukrainian people. His encounters with soldiers, civilians, and volunteers reveal the personal sacrifices behind the headlines and the human cost of defending freedom.
Written in a candid, engaging style, this book is both an intimate memoir and a broader exploration of what it means to fight for freedom in the modern world. It offers readers an insider’s perspective on the impact of war, the role of technology in contemporary conflict, and the extraordinary courage of ordinary people. Ordinary Guy at War is a must-read for those seeking to understand the human side of Ukraine’s resistance—an inspiring story of determination, sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that the world can be changed, one act of defiance at a time.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2025
14 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 29, 2025
It’s the end of June 2025 and I just finished reading this book at 3 AM in the morning while the air raid alert is on because of Russian missiles and drones, and the explosions are heard outside my apartment in Lviv.
While reading for 5 hours long, I had the impression I was sharing coffee with the author while he’s telling the story. A honest, sincere story of a Ukrainian’s life at war, the challenges we face and the response. Through the development of this story, you could see how the war and current circumstances shape the character and build up confidence in his vision and values, how brutal and unfair invasion grows powerful resistance.
We need more voices like Dimko’s.
The fight is far from over, we still have lots of work ahead.
While reading for 5 hours long, I had the impression I was sharing coffee with the author while he’s telling the story. A honest, sincere story of a Ukrainian’s life at war, the challenges we face and the response. Through the development of this story, you could see how the war and current circumstances shape the character and build up confidence in his vision and values, how brutal and unfair invasion grows powerful resistance.
We need more voices like Dimko’s.
The fight is far from over, we still have lots of work ahead.
December 8, 2025
Raw, very personal, very passionate first hand account. Remarkable that book like this even exists. Western community sympathetic to Ukrainian cause (anyone who believes in freedom, dignity and democracy) should read this. Strong recommendation. It is a relatively short book that would move your soul many miles nonetheless. Kudos, Dimko! Slava Ukraini!
July 28, 2025
A wonderful and personal account by the author (who modestly calls himself an “ordinary guy,” although he is anything but) about his life, his experience of having his country invaded by Russia, and what led him to first start working as a volunteer to help his friends, start a large and successful NGO to raise money, and, ultimately, join the Ukrainian Army to defend the people he cares about.
It’s written in an earnest and personable style and I think that the book can provide Western audiences with unique insight into how regular Ukrainians are surviving the war and what they are thinking, things that are often lost in dry news reports about current events there.
I should say that I met the author in 2023 and at the time he struck me as a good, decent, hardworking guy, who cares about his country and his friends and family — and that really comes through in this book. Recommended.
It’s written in an earnest and personable style and I think that the book can provide Western audiences with unique insight into how regular Ukrainians are surviving the war and what they are thinking, things that are often lost in dry news reports about current events there.
I should say that I met the author in 2023 and at the time he struck me as a good, decent, hardworking guy, who cares about his country and his friends and family — and that really comes through in this book. Recommended.
July 7, 2025
This book isn't just a memoir—it's a powerful journey straight into the heart of modern Ukraine, vividly capturing what it means to live through the brutality of war defending against russian terrorism, while holding firmly onto hope and freedom. Written by a young IT professional turned soldier, whose life took an extraordinary turn, the storytelling combines intimate personal reflections with gripping, real-time experiences from the frontlines as well as ordinary life in a war-torn country.
What makes this story genuinely compelling is its authenticity. Dimko doesn’t shy away from sharing raw emotions—fear, courage, pain, resilience—and these feelings pulse vividly through every page. Written spontaneously in cafés, bunkers, parks, and battlefields across Ukraine, each vignette carries a sense of urgency and truthfulness rarely seen.
More than just a story of survival, it's a testament to the incredible power ordinary people have to influence the course of history. The author's journey from everyday Ukrainian citizen to the founder of a hugely successful charity illustrates the resilience and ingenuity of a new generation determined to defend their freedom.
As you read, you'll find yourself deeply connected to the author and his world. The narrative vividly portrays the whirlwind of emotions and decisions faced by those in war zones, offering insights that only someone living through these times could provide. It’s essential reading for anyone seeking to truly understand the spirit and courage of Ukraine’s people, and the true spirit of the new generation of Ukranians.
Highly recommended.
What makes this story genuinely compelling is its authenticity. Dimko doesn’t shy away from sharing raw emotions—fear, courage, pain, resilience—and these feelings pulse vividly through every page. Written spontaneously in cafés, bunkers, parks, and battlefields across Ukraine, each vignette carries a sense of urgency and truthfulness rarely seen.
More than just a story of survival, it's a testament to the incredible power ordinary people have to influence the course of history. The author's journey from everyday Ukrainian citizen to the founder of a hugely successful charity illustrates the resilience and ingenuity of a new generation determined to defend their freedom.
As you read, you'll find yourself deeply connected to the author and his world. The narrative vividly portrays the whirlwind of emotions and decisions faced by those in war zones, offering insights that only someone living through these times could provide. It’s essential reading for anyone seeking to truly understand the spirit and courage of Ukraine’s people, and the true spirit of the new generation of Ukranians.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews