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The Fight of Our Lives: My Time with Zelenskyy, Ukraine's Battle for Democracy, and What It Means for the World
“Moving.” — The Washington Post
When Ukrainian journalist Iuliia Mendel got the call she had been hired to work for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, she had no idea what was to come.
In this frank and moving inside account, Zelenskyy’s former press secretary tells the story of his improbable rise from popular comedian to the president of Ukraine. Mendel had a front row seat to many of the key events preceding the 2022 Russian invasion. From attending meetings between Zelenskyy and Putin and other European leaders, visiting the front lines in Donbas, to fielding press inquiries after the infamous phone calls between Donald Trump and Zelenskyy that led to Trump’s first impeachment.
Mendel saw firsthand Zelenskyy’s efforts to transform his country from a poor, backward Soviet state into a vibrant, prosperous European democracy. Mendel sheds light on the massive economic problems facing Ukraine and the entrenched corrupt oligarchs in league with Russia. She witnessed the Kremlin’s repeated attacks to discredit Zelenskyy through disinformation and an army of bots and trolls.
Woven into her account are details about her own life as a member of Zelenskyy’s new Ukraine. Written with the sound of Russian bombs and exploding shells in the background, Mendel details life lived under Russian siege in 2022. She says goodbye to her fiancé who joins the front lines, like so many other Ukrainian men. Throughout this story of Zelenskyy, Ukraine, and its extraordinary people, Iuliia Mendel reminds us of the paramount importance of truth and human values, especially in these darkest of times.
When Ukrainian journalist Iuliia Mendel got the call she had been hired to work for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, she had no idea what was to come.
In this frank and moving inside account, Zelenskyy’s former press secretary tells the story of his improbable rise from popular comedian to the president of Ukraine. Mendel had a front row seat to many of the key events preceding the 2022 Russian invasion. From attending meetings between Zelenskyy and Putin and other European leaders, visiting the front lines in Donbas, to fielding press inquiries after the infamous phone calls between Donald Trump and Zelenskyy that led to Trump’s first impeachment.
Mendel saw firsthand Zelenskyy’s efforts to transform his country from a poor, backward Soviet state into a vibrant, prosperous European democracy. Mendel sheds light on the massive economic problems facing Ukraine and the entrenched corrupt oligarchs in league with Russia. She witnessed the Kremlin’s repeated attacks to discredit Zelenskyy through disinformation and an army of bots and trolls.
Woven into her account are details about her own life as a member of Zelenskyy’s new Ukraine. Written with the sound of Russian bombs and exploding shells in the background, Mendel details life lived under Russian siege in 2022. She says goodbye to her fiancé who joins the front lines, like so many other Ukrainian men. Throughout this story of Zelenskyy, Ukraine, and its extraordinary people, Iuliia Mendel reminds us of the paramount importance of truth and human values, especially in these darkest of times.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2022
63 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 3, 2022
After seeing Iuliia Mendel, Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s first press secretary, interviewed on television I knew I had to read her recently published book. As an American of Ukrainian descent, I feel a bond with the Ukrainian people and have been closely following the events in the war there.
Ms Mendel eloquently and concisely writes about the two years she served as press secretary, and the ways in which the Zelenskyy administration has tried to eliminate the corruption that was imbedded in the government bureaucracy. As an insider in the administration, she is also able to show the private side of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his sincere attempts to help the people of his country prosper and move forward with confidence. Mr. Zelenskyy’s plans for the future of Ukraine and the hopes for a free and democratic government were interrupted by the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army.
With insight and considerable knowledge, Ms Mendel provides a brief history of Ukraine after the breakup of the Soviet Union, which gives the reader a better understanding of events leading up to the present war.
The last chapter of the book is heartfelt and moving….by the end, I was brought to tears. Her steadfast belief in the bravery and determination of the Ukrainian people is evident.
If you are interested in current events, this book is a must read. Don’t pass it up!
Ms Mendel eloquently and concisely writes about the two years she served as press secretary, and the ways in which the Zelenskyy administration has tried to eliminate the corruption that was imbedded in the government bureaucracy. As an insider in the administration, she is also able to show the private side of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his sincere attempts to help the people of his country prosper and move forward with confidence. Mr. Zelenskyy’s plans for the future of Ukraine and the hopes for a free and democratic government were interrupted by the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army.
With insight and considerable knowledge, Ms Mendel provides a brief history of Ukraine after the breakup of the Soviet Union, which gives the reader a better understanding of events leading up to the present war.
The last chapter of the book is heartfelt and moving….by the end, I was brought to tears. Her steadfast belief in the bravery and determination of the Ukrainian people is evident.
If you are interested in current events, this book is a must read. Don’t pass it up!
September 26, 2022
Luliia Mendel's book "The Fight of Our Lives: My Time with Zelenskyy..." is a clear eyed look at the rise of not only President Zalenskyy but the emerging proud identity of the Ukrainian people. It shines a light of the inner dialogue of Ukraine as the country emerges from the dark paralysis of the former Soviet Union. The author brilliantly walks the reader through the country's recent history and its battle with oligarchs and Russian propaganda. It not only reveals the struggles and victories of the country and its president but also of a young girl growing up in a now independent Ukraine as she grows into a skilled journalist, spokesperson and advisor for her country and her president. This book is more than a recounting of the history of a country and its recent war, but a heart felt view from the inside out by one who has lived through it all and has helped form the new and proud narrative of a victorious Ukraine.
November 13, 2022
This book is many things: it’s a brief history of Ukraine and its struggle to become an independent democratic nation and break away from Russian autocracy; it’s a brief look at their hero President Zelenskyy and his rise to power; and a brief bio into the author’s life.
It’s well written and informative with no sugar-coating, just facts, all of which was informative to me who knew very little about Ukraine before this war.
Thanks to my GR friend Cheryl who brought this book to my attention. I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it and learn something.
Power to Ukraine! Bravo President Zelenskyy!
It’s well written and informative with no sugar-coating, just facts, all of which was informative to me who knew very little about Ukraine before this war.
Thanks to my GR friend Cheryl who brought this book to my attention. I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it and learn something.
Power to Ukraine! Bravo President Zelenskyy!
September 20, 2022
An excellent book that gives valuable insight into Ukraine and, specifically, Zelenskyy and the massive problems he has had to face from corruption to COVID-19 to Donald Trump and the Russian invasion.
Mendel shares her experience as one of the members of the first post-Soviet generation, and her vision for the future of Ukraine, Europe and the world.
I never thought I’d read a political memoir, but I hung in every word of this one, which is obviously so much more.
Mendel shares her experience as one of the members of the first post-Soviet generation, and her vision for the future of Ukraine, Europe and the world.
I never thought I’d read a political memoir, but I hung in every word of this one, which is obviously so much more.
June 5, 2023
“Ukraine is not a country from the past. We are the future. We have become a territory of freedom. And now the whole world knows – we are the realm of light and power.“ p208
An important book for the democratic world to understand again what a monster Putin is, and how unity against violence and disinformation is the only way to defend any freedom.
The first half of the book is rather slow, and could be speed read, while receiving an appreciation for growing up in post soviet Ukraine. When people talk about persistent corruption in the country, it comes from such decades of oligarchy amidst desperate poverty. Trump’s goons appear in support of this corrupt oligarchy, the collapse of which led to Putin’s disastrous invasion. The ending sections are powerful and unforgettable.
Zelenskiy deserves a hagiography even more through and professional, and these will be written. He is the Washington and Lincoln of this future democracy, and a man of profound talents and the deepest empathy and sincerity. Europe and NATO have their most worthy ally.
This book is about Mendel’s personal experience, not Zelenskiy, and also not really as much about Ukraine as it is about her. Very little research or editing. But I’m grateful it was published and that I read it.
An important book for the democratic world to understand again what a monster Putin is, and how unity against violence and disinformation is the only way to defend any freedom.
The first half of the book is rather slow, and could be speed read, while receiving an appreciation for growing up in post soviet Ukraine. When people talk about persistent corruption in the country, it comes from such decades of oligarchy amidst desperate poverty. Trump’s goons appear in support of this corrupt oligarchy, the collapse of which led to Putin’s disastrous invasion. The ending sections are powerful and unforgettable.
Zelenskiy deserves a hagiography even more through and professional, and these will be written. He is the Washington and Lincoln of this future democracy, and a man of profound talents and the deepest empathy and sincerity. Europe and NATO have their most worthy ally.
This book is about Mendel’s personal experience, not Zelenskiy, and also not really as much about Ukraine as it is about her. Very little research or editing. But I’m grateful it was published and that I read it.
October 6, 2024
“We laughed and cried at the same time. War is full of pain.” Pg 42
“At some point we left the main route and, traveling by rural back roads, finally reached our destination-normally a five-to-seven-hour trip—forty hours later.”
Pg xvii
“Through intense pain and sacrifice, it has brought back our understanding of our own value, made us see the good that we can create from unwavering unity and courage and from caring for one another. We have seen the immense power that we derive from learning to work together as a people and a nation.
We are facing the greatest test and are determined to show our strength. If some of us die in this struggle, others will be born with the same honor and the will to defend. We are always at the point of beginning: We Ukrainians will never give up— not to Russia, not to terror or any other evil. The spirit of freedom cannot be conquered by centuries of slavery, or by decades of abuse, or by murder, or by cynicism. I have always believed in Ukraine. And I always will.” Pg 205
“We are the future…. And now the whole world knows-we are the realm of Light and Power.” Pg 208
“At some point we left the main route and, traveling by rural back roads, finally reached our destination-normally a five-to-seven-hour trip—forty hours later.”
Pg xvii
“Through intense pain and sacrifice, it has brought back our understanding of our own value, made us see the good that we can create from unwavering unity and courage and from caring for one another. We have seen the immense power that we derive from learning to work together as a people and a nation.
We are facing the greatest test and are determined to show our strength. If some of us die in this struggle, others will be born with the same honor and the will to defend. We are always at the point of beginning: We Ukrainians will never give up— not to Russia, not to terror or any other evil. The spirit of freedom cannot be conquered by centuries of slavery, or by decades of abuse, or by murder, or by cynicism. I have always believed in Ukraine. And I always will.” Pg 205
“We are the future…. And now the whole world knows-we are the realm of Light and Power.” Pg 208
February 19, 2024
Mendel has written about the thought process of Ukrain & its people since their independence, revolution in 2014, oligarchy & information war fare. I found it interesting to read about the country that’s in war for 2 years to this day. The time line of this book is 2019-2022
Decent read.
Decent read.
November 14, 2022
Love and strength to the Ukrainan people! We help Ukraine end this war and rebuild their country, end Putin's reign of terror.
March 2, 2024
Trochę laurka dla Zełeńskiego, ale pomaga zrozumieć wiele kwestii.
Szczególnie dobry był rozdział o języku
Szczególnie dobry był rozdział o języku
November 1, 2022
I gave 4 stars for the educational value, & the easy readability of this book. It's very interesting non fiction. The author told about her growing up years & education in Ukraine (& outside Ukraine too), & that shines a light on the life of the common citizens of the country, & also the country's history. She tells about the political history of the country, the rampant corruption, the oligarchs, the relationship to Russia, & also Zelenskyy's rise to leadership. She also tells about the use/manipulation of the spoken language (& different dialects) used in the various areas of the country....& how big a factor that is in that country. I learned a lot about that area of the world that I hadn't known before, so that earns an extra star from me! This title fits the content....along side of learning about the author, we also learn about Ukraine. The book isn't very long in pages, but it makes the most of it, in explaining that country! I'd recommend it to anyone that wants to understand more about how Ukraine came to be where/what it is today.
I received an e-copy of the book from Atria/One Signal Publishers via NetGalley for review purposes....& this is my own fair/honest review.
I received an e-copy of the book from Atria/One Signal Publishers via NetGalley for review purposes....& this is my own fair/honest review.
December 9, 2023
It was interesting, but not exactly everything I expected. I thought she would write more about her role as press secretary. She did discuss how President Z came to power, which was interesting, as was Russian disinformation, and the struggle Ukraine had with languages after breaking away from the Soviet Union.
January 23, 2023
Always love a book where I can learn something!
January 8, 2023
This book lives up to its title. Iuliia Mendel does an excellent job providing background on modern Ukraine and the issues this country is facing. At a time when the world is facing the rise of autocratic regimes and the consequences of unbridled greed and power, Ukraine and Zelenskyy are heroic and admirable champions against murderous thugs like Putin and his ilk.
If you want to understand how this war came about, The Fight of Our Lives is the book to read.
If you want to understand how this war came about, The Fight of Our Lives is the book to read.
March 8, 2023
Iullia Mendel’s short book provides a helpful perspective on what Ukraine is fighting for, its recent history, and who Zelenskyy is, as well as her own qualifications to write this book or her journey to become a successful journalist. She’s an insider. She grew up in Kherson, a southern Ukrainian city, and because she was born after the collapse of the USSR, she was the first in her family to grow up speaking Ukrainian. Her parents, as do all the Ukrainians in eastern and southern Ukraine, who grew up during the Soviet Union days, spoke/speak Russian. Mendel also speaks fluent Russian (and English). Ukraine is a bi-lingual country, not because it was/is Russian but, because in the USSR, Russian was the dominant language. Nonetheless, Mendel explains, that Putin tries to use a bi-lingual Ukraine as one of the reasons for Russia’s invasion. More on that later.
Mendel’s parents were well educated professionals and held responsible jobs. This did not make them well-off. In a corrupt system, it seems that the quickest and surest way to become well-off was to be a friend of a politician, an oligarch, or pay bribes. None of these things was true in Mendel’s family. Nevertheless her parents were determined she would receive a good education and sacrificed so that she could. She ultimately received a Ph.D. in Ukrainian literature but decided to go into journalism. After a series of successes, she was in Kiev at the right time and was chosen from among several candidates to be the new President’s press secretary. She writes:
“This book is a record of what I observed during these turbulent, horrific, and ultimately hopeful years in our history, taking into account all that I and other Ukrainians like me have experienced until now and what we see as our legacy as we battle against the Russian invaders each day. It is also a heroic tale about confronting a brutal dictator and his savage army . . . While I can’t be sure yet, I hope it will have a happy ending.”
Her book has a timeline of the major events in recent Ukrainian history (1990 – the Present) to help those of us, who have had scant knowledge of Ukraine, understand more completely how Ukraine struggled to survive after it gained its independence with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the extent to which other European countries were or were not helpful.
I especially enjoyed learning more about Zelenskyy. Of course we’ve all seen a lot of him in this past year, muscular in his sturdy tee shirt, steadfast, fearless, determined, and brave; but of his background and his unlikely rise to power, we’re only told that he was a popular comedian. Mendel also tells us that he holds a law degree, with a special emphasis on constitutional law, and learned to become an adept administrator and businessman by turning his once small comedy troupe into a successful business venture. And he has always been known for his restless energy.
He was the only child of Jewish intellectuals. His great grandparents were massacred after the Nazis burned down their village during WW II. Their four sons went to fight with the Soviets against Nazi Germany. Only Zelenskyy’s grandfather, Semyon, survived. Mendel writes that Zelenskyy was very close to them. Knowing this history makes Putin’s claim about Zelenskyy’s being a Nazi sympathizer absurd.
I also liked some small glimpses we get of Zelenskyy’s character: the way he and Angela Merkel formed an instant bond of trust – they were both forthright, friendly, and courteous; and I liked the incident she recalls when a videographer was filming Zelenskyy’s interview with two elderly priests. The videographer knocked over a vase and it fell to the floor and smashed. The two priests, Mendel writes, looked at the videographer indignantly; but Zelenskyy walked over, bent down and calmly picked up the broken pieces. She says, “It was one of those moments when we saw the president’s common decency . . .” She recounts other similar incidents of the president’s simple humanity. And she has high praise for Zelenskyy’s wife Olga.
She writes of the reforms Zelenskyy attempted after he became President – some successful; some not. Corruption that is deeply embedded in the government proved stubborn, Mendel says. Opposition from those who lost – former government officials and oligarchs – was persistent. She is very critical of Poroshenko, the former President for acting as if he were still in power, both in domestic and in foreign politics. (My note: unlike Trump, however, he did not claim the election was stolen or try to incite a riot to overthrow the installation of the new government.)
She comments briefly on the scandals that Paul Manafort, Trump, and Rudy Giuliani caused but mainly explains that Zelenskyy did not want his new government to get embroiled in U.S. politics. Her greatest scorn is for Putin. She was able to witness him up close at a few international conferences. She contrasts him with Zelenskyy, whom she describes as direct and personable and who stayed around to chat with the conference attendees after the meetings closed. Putin, she writes, was clearly uncomfortable, didn’t look at anyone directly, and retreated to a separate room as soon as a meeting was over. She says it was obvious that he knows only how to give orders but has no idea about how to negotiate.
Although, as mentioned earlier, Ukraine has long been a bi-lingual country, Putin has managed to make Russian-speaking Ukrainians want to speak Ukrainian as their primary language and drop Russian. Propaganda put out by Moscow claimed that Russia was compelled to defend the Russian-speaking population of Ukraine. Mendel scoffs saying, “defend them” by seizing their territories? It is apparent that Putin’s language gambit has had the opposite effect from what he intended even as his trying to prevent Ukraine from having closer ties with West has instead brought NATO countries and Ukraine closer together.
Is Mendel’s account objective history? I think we are not enough distant from the events to know. She clearly is a Zelenskyy partisan. Whether she is overly critical of Poroshenko and his ilk, I am not familiar enough with Ukraine’s politics to know. For now, at least, I’ll go with her.
Mendel’s parents were well educated professionals and held responsible jobs. This did not make them well-off. In a corrupt system, it seems that the quickest and surest way to become well-off was to be a friend of a politician, an oligarch, or pay bribes. None of these things was true in Mendel’s family. Nevertheless her parents were determined she would receive a good education and sacrificed so that she could. She ultimately received a Ph.D. in Ukrainian literature but decided to go into journalism. After a series of successes, she was in Kiev at the right time and was chosen from among several candidates to be the new President’s press secretary. She writes:
“This book is a record of what I observed during these turbulent, horrific, and ultimately hopeful years in our history, taking into account all that I and other Ukrainians like me have experienced until now and what we see as our legacy as we battle against the Russian invaders each day. It is also a heroic tale about confronting a brutal dictator and his savage army . . . While I can’t be sure yet, I hope it will have a happy ending.”
Her book has a timeline of the major events in recent Ukrainian history (1990 – the Present) to help those of us, who have had scant knowledge of Ukraine, understand more completely how Ukraine struggled to survive after it gained its independence with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the extent to which other European countries were or were not helpful.
I especially enjoyed learning more about Zelenskyy. Of course we’ve all seen a lot of him in this past year, muscular in his sturdy tee shirt, steadfast, fearless, determined, and brave; but of his background and his unlikely rise to power, we’re only told that he was a popular comedian. Mendel also tells us that he holds a law degree, with a special emphasis on constitutional law, and learned to become an adept administrator and businessman by turning his once small comedy troupe into a successful business venture. And he has always been known for his restless energy.
He was the only child of Jewish intellectuals. His great grandparents were massacred after the Nazis burned down their village during WW II. Their four sons went to fight with the Soviets against Nazi Germany. Only Zelenskyy’s grandfather, Semyon, survived. Mendel writes that Zelenskyy was very close to them. Knowing this history makes Putin’s claim about Zelenskyy’s being a Nazi sympathizer absurd.
I also liked some small glimpses we get of Zelenskyy’s character: the way he and Angela Merkel formed an instant bond of trust – they were both forthright, friendly, and courteous; and I liked the incident she recalls when a videographer was filming Zelenskyy’s interview with two elderly priests. The videographer knocked over a vase and it fell to the floor and smashed. The two priests, Mendel writes, looked at the videographer indignantly; but Zelenskyy walked over, bent down and calmly picked up the broken pieces. She says, “It was one of those moments when we saw the president’s common decency . . .” She recounts other similar incidents of the president’s simple humanity. And she has high praise for Zelenskyy’s wife Olga.
She writes of the reforms Zelenskyy attempted after he became President – some successful; some not. Corruption that is deeply embedded in the government proved stubborn, Mendel says. Opposition from those who lost – former government officials and oligarchs – was persistent. She is very critical of Poroshenko, the former President for acting as if he were still in power, both in domestic and in foreign politics. (My note: unlike Trump, however, he did not claim the election was stolen or try to incite a riot to overthrow the installation of the new government.)
She comments briefly on the scandals that Paul Manafort, Trump, and Rudy Giuliani caused but mainly explains that Zelenskyy did not want his new government to get embroiled in U.S. politics. Her greatest scorn is for Putin. She was able to witness him up close at a few international conferences. She contrasts him with Zelenskyy, whom she describes as direct and personable and who stayed around to chat with the conference attendees after the meetings closed. Putin, she writes, was clearly uncomfortable, didn’t look at anyone directly, and retreated to a separate room as soon as a meeting was over. She says it was obvious that he knows only how to give orders but has no idea about how to negotiate.
Although, as mentioned earlier, Ukraine has long been a bi-lingual country, Putin has managed to make Russian-speaking Ukrainians want to speak Ukrainian as their primary language and drop Russian. Propaganda put out by Moscow claimed that Russia was compelled to defend the Russian-speaking population of Ukraine. Mendel scoffs saying, “defend them” by seizing their territories? It is apparent that Putin’s language gambit has had the opposite effect from what he intended even as his trying to prevent Ukraine from having closer ties with West has instead brought NATO countries and Ukraine closer together.
Is Mendel’s account objective history? I think we are not enough distant from the events to know. She clearly is a Zelenskyy partisan. Whether she is overly critical of Poroshenko and his ilk, I am not familiar enough with Ukraine’s politics to know. For now, at least, I’ll go with her.
December 15, 2022
This is a short memoir that shows something of the daily life of Ukrainians and some of the author’s experiences. It covers the problems and achievements of Voldymyr Zelenskyy and the pressures on the country. It is arranged in topical chapters.
While Zelenskyy won in a landslide (73%) his administration did not have a honeymoon. His predecessor, Petro Poroshenko, who made public pronouncements, visited foreign dignitaries and in general, acted like he was still president. Russian disinformation took big shots such as announcing that Ukrainian (political) prisoners were being freed so that families would blame Zeleniskyy when their loved ones did not appear at the designated train stations. Bots initiated rumors tarnishing the reputations of every one of the President's staff. With Zelenskyy’s first language as Russian, he was targeted as a pro-Russian by many opponents including Russians. Early in his administration, Zelenskyy did not give interviews (the idea is to not be mediated by a journalist) which the author felt gave detractors and upper hand.
Having watched so many refugees with nice parkas and luggage, the chapter title "The Poorest Nation in Europe" surprised me. Poverty was not discussed. It covered Zelenskyy’s modest upbringing and his rise to success in comedy. Throughout the book, you glean something of the economics of the middle class. For instance, Iuliia Mendel’s parents, both medical professionals, sacrificed to pay for her English lessons. The University was free, but similarly underpaid professors often required bribes to make ends meet.
The meatiest chapter is “Oligarchs and Fact Free News”. It suggests that Putin’s primary motivation may not be Ukraine’s resources; it may be the pro-democracy and anti-corruption measures (probably worse for Putin than pro-democracy) made by the Ukraine under Zelenskyy’s leadership.
Ukraine created more competition in natural gas which had been price gouged by Dmitro Firtash, a Putin ally. Similarly daring was sanctioning and then closing down 3 TV (fake news/Russian propaganda) channels owned by Taras Kozak, who is tied to Putin ally Viktor Medvedchuk. Oligarchs, now defined by law (a fortune of over $80 million and influence in politics and the media), can no longer support political parties or meet privately with government officials.
Zelenskyy, by this time, found his voice with the people and was giving interviews and building support for these initiatives.
The chapter on the “Power of Language” discusses the politics of language in a bi-lingual country, but more importantly how this is used by Putin. His saying he is liberating the “Russian speaking people” of Ukraine (as he did in Moldova) is a euphemism for wresting territory. Ironically, the Russian speaking people are on the borders and bear the worst of the war.
There is some background on international negotiations in France, how Trump’s “perfect call” was seen and received in Ukraine, the author’s feelings about her hometown as the Russians invade it, Zelenskyy’s role in a hostage situation and more.
While there are a lot of good points to this book its need for organization brings it down. In “Seeking Peace in Dunbas” there is a lot of detail, but little peace proposals or negotiations. Many chapters are either mislabeled and/or have off topic material. It starts in the first chapter ("Zelenskyy's Landslide Victory") where there is more on Zelenskyy's predecessor than the election. Election results are better sketched in "The President's Team" which has more on management style than the people he works
with. Wealthy backers are alluded to but not defined.
The author's position is “press secretary”. In the US, this position would be “Press Secretary”. Regardless of its orthography, it is not clear what this position is. Is she a spokesperson? (She gives interviews.) Does she oversee speech writers? (The is no mention of staff.) Does she initiate stories? (She says little about press contacts.)
It seems that this was rushed to press. More time and this author, who has important things to say, could have a 5 star book.
There is a succinct time line. There is no Index. No photos.
While Zelenskyy won in a landslide (73%) his administration did not have a honeymoon. His predecessor, Petro Poroshenko, who made public pronouncements, visited foreign dignitaries and in general, acted like he was still president. Russian disinformation took big shots such as announcing that Ukrainian (political) prisoners were being freed so that families would blame Zeleniskyy when their loved ones did not appear at the designated train stations. Bots initiated rumors tarnishing the reputations of every one of the President's staff. With Zelenskyy’s first language as Russian, he was targeted as a pro-Russian by many opponents including Russians. Early in his administration, Zelenskyy did not give interviews (the idea is to not be mediated by a journalist) which the author felt gave detractors and upper hand.
Having watched so many refugees with nice parkas and luggage, the chapter title "The Poorest Nation in Europe" surprised me. Poverty was not discussed. It covered Zelenskyy’s modest upbringing and his rise to success in comedy. Throughout the book, you glean something of the economics of the middle class. For instance, Iuliia Mendel’s parents, both medical professionals, sacrificed to pay for her English lessons. The University was free, but similarly underpaid professors often required bribes to make ends meet.
The meatiest chapter is “Oligarchs and Fact Free News”. It suggests that Putin’s primary motivation may not be Ukraine’s resources; it may be the pro-democracy and anti-corruption measures (probably worse for Putin than pro-democracy) made by the Ukraine under Zelenskyy’s leadership.
Ukraine created more competition in natural gas which had been price gouged by Dmitro Firtash, a Putin ally. Similarly daring was sanctioning and then closing down 3 TV (fake news/Russian propaganda) channels owned by Taras Kozak, who is tied to Putin ally Viktor Medvedchuk. Oligarchs, now defined by law (a fortune of over $80 million and influence in politics and the media), can no longer support political parties or meet privately with government officials.
Zelenskyy, by this time, found his voice with the people and was giving interviews and building support for these initiatives.
The chapter on the “Power of Language” discusses the politics of language in a bi-lingual country, but more importantly how this is used by Putin. His saying he is liberating the “Russian speaking people” of Ukraine (as he did in Moldova) is a euphemism for wresting territory. Ironically, the Russian speaking people are on the borders and bear the worst of the war.
There is some background on international negotiations in France, how Trump’s “perfect call” was seen and received in Ukraine, the author’s feelings about her hometown as the Russians invade it, Zelenskyy’s role in a hostage situation and more.
While there are a lot of good points to this book its need for organization brings it down. In “Seeking Peace in Dunbas” there is a lot of detail, but little peace proposals or negotiations. Many chapters are either mislabeled and/or have off topic material. It starts in the first chapter ("Zelenskyy's Landslide Victory") where there is more on Zelenskyy's predecessor than the election. Election results are better sketched in "The President's Team" which has more on management style than the people he works
with. Wealthy backers are alluded to but not defined.
The author's position is “press secretary”. In the US, this position would be “Press Secretary”. Regardless of its orthography, it is not clear what this position is. Is she a spokesperson? (She gives interviews.) Does she oversee speech writers? (The is no mention of staff.) Does she initiate stories? (She says little about press contacts.)
It seems that this was rushed to press. More time and this author, who has important things to say, could have a 5 star book.
There is a succinct time line. There is no Index. No photos.
April 17, 2024
Iuliia's story starts on February 24, 2022 at 4:00am when Russia invaded Ukraine, dropping explosives down in her city of Kyiv. Iuliia and her boyfriend Pavlo try to stay for one more day, but as the fighting draws closer, they decide to drive west towards Lviv. Due to all the traffic and military checkpoints along their route, a drive that normally takes six hours drags into forty. Once in Lviv, Iulliia's boyfriend tells her he plans to enlist and then proposes. Her life has drastically changed in just a matter of days.
Though a month earlier President Zelenskyy had warned of an immanent invasion, most Ukrainians never seriously considered it as a possibility. The US warned Zelenskyy to flee, saying there was a high probability that Russia would surround Kyiv, assassinate Zelenskyy, and install a puppet regime. Instead of leaving, the President said, "The fight is here. I need ammunition, not a ride."
Iuliia takes us back to December 2020, when she worked under President Zelenskyy, a former actor and comedian turned politician. Zelenskyy actually had very little political experience before running against the 2019 current president Poroshenko. He worked on a show called "Servant of the People" and played Vasyl Petrovych Holoborodko, an ordinary schoolteacher who accidentally becomes president. Weird how that played out very similar in real life. (Side note, he also has a law degree, but media mostly focuses on the comedy side of him).
Ukraine is the poorest country in Europe, a fact which makes it harder for them to get ahead. Iuliia learned this the hard way, when she was forced to pay a bribe to have her esteemed professor look over her thesis. She later ends up writing an article that interviews students with similar stories.
When the position of Press Secretary of the President of Ukraine opens up, Iuliia decides to take a chance and go for it. To her astonishment, they like her answers in the interview so much that they hire her.
Most of this book talks about Zelenskyy (obviously, the title says it all). It's interesting to see the Trump, Hunter Biden, Burisma issue from the other side. I don't even know if Trump legally had the ability to potentially hold back aid until Ukraine announced they were investigating Hunter Biden, but even if he could do so, it shouldn't even be a thought. This is a country at war, they need aid to protect dying people more than you need the votes.
Also, maybe this is just me being dumb, but did anyone else know Nikolai Gogol was actually named Mykola Hohol? I've never heard of him referred to by any name other than Gogol, and to find out that he is not Russian but is actually a proud Ukrainian was crazy. See, this is part of why it's so hard to find ancestors with Russian or even just Slavic names. I would never think to look under Mykola when checking for Nikolai. I understand Basil, Vasyl, Vasily, Wassily, I can see the jump. But some of these I have no idea.
I'd like to look into the subject of Transnistria a little further. Iuliia's visit speaking with the residents of this Moldovian/Rusian disputed town gave me far more insight than I'd previously had, especially on the topic of school languages and how important that is. Actually, how important language is at all. The Ukrainian/Russian official language debate is very interesting.
One thing that struck me was that Zelenskyy did negotiate with a criminal to ensure the release of the bus hostages. He justified it by explaining that there was no loss of life, and yes that's the goal, but you can't have the reputation of a government that is even willing to let a terrorist sway the president. It will happen again, and next time they'll know that the president answers when people are put in peril.
Iuliia doesn't talk much about her time as press secretary. I was expecting her to tell anecdotes from her work, but she mostly focuses on Zelenskyy. Which, yeah, this is about her time with him (hence the title). but it almost serves as a mini biography of his life in the early years of his presidency. The war is crammed into the last like 15 pages.
This was an informative book that can get a little dull at times, but overall is worth a read, especially if you're unfamiliar with Zelenskyy.
Though a month earlier President Zelenskyy had warned of an immanent invasion, most Ukrainians never seriously considered it as a possibility. The US warned Zelenskyy to flee, saying there was a high probability that Russia would surround Kyiv, assassinate Zelenskyy, and install a puppet regime. Instead of leaving, the President said, "The fight is here. I need ammunition, not a ride."
Iuliia takes us back to December 2020, when she worked under President Zelenskyy, a former actor and comedian turned politician. Zelenskyy actually had very little political experience before running against the 2019 current president Poroshenko. He worked on a show called "Servant of the People" and played Vasyl Petrovych Holoborodko, an ordinary schoolteacher who accidentally becomes president. Weird how that played out very similar in real life. (Side note, he also has a law degree, but media mostly focuses on the comedy side of him).
Ukraine is the poorest country in Europe, a fact which makes it harder for them to get ahead. Iuliia learned this the hard way, when she was forced to pay a bribe to have her esteemed professor look over her thesis. She later ends up writing an article that interviews students with similar stories.
When the position of Press Secretary of the President of Ukraine opens up, Iuliia decides to take a chance and go for it. To her astonishment, they like her answers in the interview so much that they hire her.
Most of this book talks about Zelenskyy (obviously, the title says it all). It's interesting to see the Trump, Hunter Biden, Burisma issue from the other side. I don't even know if Trump legally had the ability to potentially hold back aid until Ukraine announced they were investigating Hunter Biden, but even if he could do so, it shouldn't even be a thought. This is a country at war, they need aid to protect dying people more than you need the votes.
Also, maybe this is just me being dumb, but did anyone else know Nikolai Gogol was actually named Mykola Hohol? I've never heard of him referred to by any name other than Gogol, and to find out that he is not Russian but is actually a proud Ukrainian was crazy. See, this is part of why it's so hard to find ancestors with Russian or even just Slavic names. I would never think to look under Mykola when checking for Nikolai. I understand Basil, Vasyl, Vasily, Wassily, I can see the jump. But some of these I have no idea.
I'd like to look into the subject of Transnistria a little further. Iuliia's visit speaking with the residents of this Moldovian/Rusian disputed town gave me far more insight than I'd previously had, especially on the topic of school languages and how important that is. Actually, how important language is at all. The Ukrainian/Russian official language debate is very interesting.
One thing that struck me was that Zelenskyy did negotiate with a criminal to ensure the release of the bus hostages. He justified it by explaining that there was no loss of life, and yes that's the goal, but you can't have the reputation of a government that is even willing to let a terrorist sway the president. It will happen again, and next time they'll know that the president answers when people are put in peril.
Iuliia doesn't talk much about her time as press secretary. I was expecting her to tell anecdotes from her work, but she mostly focuses on Zelenskyy. Which, yeah, this is about her time with him (hence the title). but it almost serves as a mini biography of his life in the early years of his presidency. The war is crammed into the last like 15 pages.
This was an informative book that can get a little dull at times, but overall is worth a read, especially if you're unfamiliar with Zelenskyy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
With every passing day and every new thing I learn about Ukraine and its people, I become more and more proud of even the small amount of Ukrainian heritage I have.
(Can I call myself Ukrainian-American if I have one great-grandfather and a few cousins from there? I don't care, I'll do it anyway.)
Like most people outside of that country, I've read and watched and learned quite a lot about the nation and its people and especially President Zelenskyy since the start of the re-invasion in February. But this was still quite an interesting and informative read, coming from someone who was part of his administration and has a very different understanding of some things than many other people. I liked learning more about the early days of Zelenskyy's government, the changes he wanted to make, the things they tried to get done, how they went about everything. There's been a lot of talk about how, while he was elected with such a huge landslide, his popularity and approval ratings started to tank not long after, only soaring again during the full-scale war. But that is a simplistic take and Mendel does a lot to give a more nuanced look at things, especially some of the issues that were perceived negatively at the time. I appreciate too the section in which she discusses russian bots and trolls and disinfo, and how easy it is to create false narratives that way too many people online quickly gobble up.
I also really loved learning more about things like the issue of language in the country, their dedication to their identity as Ukrainians, to being a free and sovereign nation, as well as all of the struggled the country has faced since the collapse of the Soviet Union. It has been remarked upon many times since russia tried and massively failed to take Kyiv at the beginning of the re-invasion that, perhaps surprisingly to people who didn't know him, Zelenskyy was the exact right person for this enormous task of defending his people, protecting the country, connecting with other leaders and earning their support, and so on. But when you learn more about him as a person prior to his presidency and in the beginning of it, it's clear that it should not have surprised anyone. Mendel shows just what a patriotic, dedicated, intelligent leader Zelenskyy has always been. Not to say he hasn't made mistakes--he certainly has. But that's true of every leader, and in a country struggling to dig itself out of a rut of corruption, it was perhaps expected. But underneath any missteps or wrong choices, he was always the man we see today. And the nation was always the people we see, fighting for every inch of their land, no matter what barbarism and atrocities the enemy throws at them.
I do wish this had gone into a little more substance about the current full-scale war (well, at least as far as it could go before publication). I also thought it would have been easier if the timeline of the book was a little more linear. She kind of hops back and forth a few times and it's a little confusing. But this is a terrific first-hand look at a nation and a president the whole world has gotten to know only through memes and interviews. (Although, let's be honest, the Ukrainian meme game is fucking strong.)
[Read for the "border" prompt for Nonfiction November.]
(Can I call myself Ukrainian-American if I have one great-grandfather and a few cousins from there? I don't care, I'll do it anyway.)
Like most people outside of that country, I've read and watched and learned quite a lot about the nation and its people and especially President Zelenskyy since the start of the re-invasion in February. But this was still quite an interesting and informative read, coming from someone who was part of his administration and has a very different understanding of some things than many other people. I liked learning more about the early days of Zelenskyy's government, the changes he wanted to make, the things they tried to get done, how they went about everything. There's been a lot of talk about how, while he was elected with such a huge landslide, his popularity and approval ratings started to tank not long after, only soaring again during the full-scale war. But that is a simplistic take and Mendel does a lot to give a more nuanced look at things, especially some of the issues that were perceived negatively at the time. I appreciate too the section in which she discusses russian bots and trolls and disinfo, and how easy it is to create false narratives that way too many people online quickly gobble up.
I also really loved learning more about things like the issue of language in the country, their dedication to their identity as Ukrainians, to being a free and sovereign nation, as well as all of the struggled the country has faced since the collapse of the Soviet Union. It has been remarked upon many times since russia tried and massively failed to take Kyiv at the beginning of the re-invasion that, perhaps surprisingly to people who didn't know him, Zelenskyy was the exact right person for this enormous task of defending his people, protecting the country, connecting with other leaders and earning their support, and so on. But when you learn more about him as a person prior to his presidency and in the beginning of it, it's clear that it should not have surprised anyone. Mendel shows just what a patriotic, dedicated, intelligent leader Zelenskyy has always been. Not to say he hasn't made mistakes--he certainly has. But that's true of every leader, and in a country struggling to dig itself out of a rut of corruption, it was perhaps expected. But underneath any missteps or wrong choices, he was always the man we see today. And the nation was always the people we see, fighting for every inch of their land, no matter what barbarism and atrocities the enemy throws at them.
I do wish this had gone into a little more substance about the current full-scale war (well, at least as far as it could go before publication). I also thought it would have been easier if the timeline of the book was a little more linear. She kind of hops back and forth a few times and it's a little confusing. But this is a terrific first-hand look at a nation and a president the whole world has gotten to know only through memes and interviews. (Although, let's be honest, the Ukrainian meme game is fucking strong.)
[Read for the "border" prompt for Nonfiction November.]
December 24, 2022
Our very existence is at stake, but our will to be free will not die.
Published and translated into English by Madeline G. Levine in 2022.
The history of independent Ukraine is therefore also my story. I am a child of the new Ukraine, the only person in my family whose native language is Ukrainian. I was lucky to be born at the right time.
Mendel narrates the emergence of modern Ukraine with journalistic style. In this book she chronicles her time as press secretary to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as her own struggles to achieve her aspirations and goals. There is a generous amount of political backstory which is helpful in understanding the challenges that Zelensky was dealing with, even before full scale invasion on February 24th (2022). There were conflicts with oligarchs, several of whom owned media outlets or were heavily involved in politics. Disinformation bots developed and deployed by Russians and pro-Russian Ukrainians were also a serious issue in Ukraine. Russian propaganda is a constant threat and was a blatant precursor to the February invasion.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It's fairly short (239 pages) and is written in a clear straightforward style. I only wish that the author, who is from Kherson, could have included her thoughts about the liberation of her home city which was freed from the Russians a couple months after this book was published. I hope she had a happy reunion with her family who had been in occupied territory for over eight months.
Out of all this pain, though, there is one thing I do know: this war, like the fiery breath of an enraged dragon, has burned away all that was artificial and superficial in our lives.
Published and translated into English by Madeline G. Levine in 2022.
The history of independent Ukraine is therefore also my story. I am a child of the new Ukraine, the only person in my family whose native language is Ukrainian. I was lucky to be born at the right time.
Mendel narrates the emergence of modern Ukraine with journalistic style. In this book she chronicles her time as press secretary to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as well as her own struggles to achieve her aspirations and goals. There is a generous amount of political backstory which is helpful in understanding the challenges that Zelensky was dealing with, even before full scale invasion on February 24th (2022). There were conflicts with oligarchs, several of whom owned media outlets or were heavily involved in politics. Disinformation bots developed and deployed by Russians and pro-Russian Ukrainians were also a serious issue in Ukraine. Russian propaganda is a constant threat and was a blatant precursor to the February invasion.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It's fairly short (239 pages) and is written in a clear straightforward style. I only wish that the author, who is from Kherson, could have included her thoughts about the liberation of her home city which was freed from the Russians a couple months after this book was published. I hope she had a happy reunion with her family who had been in occupied territory for over eight months.
Out of all this pain, though, there is one thing I do know: this war, like the fiery breath of an enraged dragon, has burned away all that was artificial and superficial in our lives.
December 25, 2022
The contents are well-organized, precise, and concise. I understand better the misinformation strategies and lies from the Russian authority. I already admired President Zelenskyy from Servant of the People time and this book makes me appreciate his efforts even more. He is a refreshing figure in world politics, which used to be filled with clowns, dictators, liars, opportunists and mild idealists. He is an idealist but a tough one. The moment I learned that he hits the gym a lot, I can relate even more with this person.
One of the most intriguing moment was when the author, Mz Mendel, described Putin as old, as only familiar with how to give orders but not how to negotiate with equals. This reminds me of the interviews of Julia loffe on Putin matters. I cannot agree more although I have not met Putin or our current president in China or junta leaders in person. They needed the hierarchy where they themselves are on the top. They cannot negotiate with equals because they are afraid of exposure.
I sincerely hope Ukraine wins this unnecessary war and create a bright future for generations to come. Many thanks to Ukraine people and President Zelenskyy, you have demonstrated enormous courage and efforts in this fight for freedom. I believe it will be an encouragement to people around the globe.
One of the most intriguing moment was when the author, Mz Mendel, described Putin as old, as only familiar with how to give orders but not how to negotiate with equals. This reminds me of the interviews of Julia loffe on Putin matters. I cannot agree more although I have not met Putin or our current president in China or junta leaders in person. They needed the hierarchy where they themselves are on the top. They cannot negotiate with equals because they are afraid of exposure.
I sincerely hope Ukraine wins this unnecessary war and create a bright future for generations to come. Many thanks to Ukraine people and President Zelenskyy, you have demonstrated enormous courage and efforts in this fight for freedom. I believe it will be an encouragement to people around the globe.
December 27, 2022
Difficult to review this one because I was looking for more of a historical book, for my history group. This is more current events which is helpful as well.
I read part of this on kindle and then listened to part on audiobook. I think in this case reading the text is best. The audiobook sounds at times like a campaign ad and at others like a piece of fiction. I know it is an emotional subject but the acting during the reading gave the book a feel of fiction.
Mendel tells us about her childhood, her education and two years as press secretary as well as the background and career of her boss President Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy comes off as the John Wayne of the east and maybe he is. The best part of the book is the second half where she details the use of Russian bots and use of fake news to set up a mindset before the attack on Ukraine as well as a chapter on the use of language as a political tool. Also, the chapter on the oligarchs was enlightening and certainly reminded me of our own issues with big corporate money in our own Congress. She wraps up the book slamming the west for not providing a no-fly zone to protect Ukraine because of their own concern about WWIII. All and all although thin on history this book does help explain life in Ukraine today.
I read part of this on kindle and then listened to part on audiobook. I think in this case reading the text is best. The audiobook sounds at times like a campaign ad and at others like a piece of fiction. I know it is an emotional subject but the acting during the reading gave the book a feel of fiction.
Mendel tells us about her childhood, her education and two years as press secretary as well as the background and career of her boss President Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy comes off as the John Wayne of the east and maybe he is. The best part of the book is the second half where she details the use of Russian bots and use of fake news to set up a mindset before the attack on Ukraine as well as a chapter on the use of language as a political tool. Also, the chapter on the oligarchs was enlightening and certainly reminded me of our own issues with big corporate money in our own Congress. She wraps up the book slamming the west for not providing a no-fly zone to protect Ukraine because of their own concern about WWIII. All and all although thin on history this book does help explain life in Ukraine today.
January 1, 2023
One of the most clear-eyed and unflinching looks at the presidency of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the predicament of Ukraine I have read yet. Yes, Iuliia Mendel was press secretary to the Ukrainian president for two years, but she is willing to admit when he got things *and* the incredible learning curve he and his team experienced trying to bring the country out of post-post-Soviet oligarchic corruption and into democracy. Her close access to Zelenskyy and his government gave her a ringside seat to both his challenges and the skills and philosophy he brought to the task. She emphasizes his clear vision, his high standards for himself and those around him, his persistence, and, most importantly, his humanity. She relates European and American skepticism, but fiercely defends Ukraine as a bulwark against Putin’s expansion. It’s a heartbreaking story that everyone should read: how can a president and a people work so hard to join the community of nations that believes in the rule of law, human rights, a free media, and legitimate democracy, yet find themselves standing almost alone against Russian aggression? Incidentally, the chapter on language and nationalism alone is work the price of the book.
February 1, 2023
Iuliia Mendel, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's former press secretary, has written this insider's view of her country and its struggles against Russian aggression. Though she is clear that she speaks and writes English, it was first written in Ukrainian and translated. My only reason for not giving it five stars is the somewhat awkward phrasing that appears in places, though it may be, that Ukrainian, like Yiddish, has certain phrases and constructions which can only be roughly restated.
In any case, Ms. Mendel provides a great deal of insight into the character and history of the Ukrainian people, President Zelenskyy, and what has transpired since Ukraine became an independent country after the fall of the USSR. She does not mince words or skip over negative events – she is both very direct and impassioned about her love for her country and concern for its survival.
In addition to the politics and history, she also devotes a chapter to the Ukrainian language, which as a writer and editor, and as a former ESOL instructor, I found particularly fascinating.
All in all, this is valuable reading for anyone who is concerned with world affairs, about the war in Ukraine, and especially the perilous state of democracy throughout the world.
In any case, Ms. Mendel provides a great deal of insight into the character and history of the Ukrainian people, President Zelenskyy, and what has transpired since Ukraine became an independent country after the fall of the USSR. She does not mince words or skip over negative events – she is both very direct and impassioned about her love for her country and concern for its survival.
In addition to the politics and history, she also devotes a chapter to the Ukrainian language, which as a writer and editor, and as a former ESOL instructor, I found particularly fascinating.
All in all, this is valuable reading for anyone who is concerned with world affairs, about the war in Ukraine, and especially the perilous state of democracy throughout the world.
April 12, 2025
Warto wiedzieć. W dobie zamieszania informacyjnego „pewne źródła” rozmywają się. Ciężko o rzetelną informację w warunkach pokoju. A w trakcie wojny… Ta rządzi się swoimi prawami. Tutaj informacja zmienia się w broń.
Zapiski Juli Mendel, rzeczniczki prasowej prezydenta Zełenskiego dały mi nową perspektywę na to jak wojna wygląda oczami polityków, dziennikarzy, aktywistów, żołnierzy, a przede wszystkim Ukraińców ze swoim ciężkim bagażem bycia sąsiadem Rosji. Ukraina to taki sąsiad, który chciałby w końcu przeprowadzić się do lepszej dzielnicy, ale słabe środowisko, historia i pojedyncze osoby ciągną go w dół. Już pakuje walizki, już odbiera klucze do nowego mieszkania i nagle coś się dzieje nie tak. Trzeba nadal siedzieć w rozkroku i czekać na dobry moment, starać się, nie pogubić i być wytrwałym.
Taka właśnie jest rzeczywistość Ukrainy. To walka. O lepsze jutro, o wolność od rosyjskich wpływów, o społeczeństwo obywatelskie i uczciwych polityków. Kibicuję jej z całego serca. Julii Mendel dziękuję za solidną dawkę informacji - jak było i jest naprawdę. Bez pudrowania i bez zbędnych dramatów. Myślę, że tacy jak ona będą po wygranej walce tworzyć Ukrainę.
Zapiski Juli Mendel, rzeczniczki prasowej prezydenta Zełenskiego dały mi nową perspektywę na to jak wojna wygląda oczami polityków, dziennikarzy, aktywistów, żołnierzy, a przede wszystkim Ukraińców ze swoim ciężkim bagażem bycia sąsiadem Rosji. Ukraina to taki sąsiad, który chciałby w końcu przeprowadzić się do lepszej dzielnicy, ale słabe środowisko, historia i pojedyncze osoby ciągną go w dół. Już pakuje walizki, już odbiera klucze do nowego mieszkania i nagle coś się dzieje nie tak. Trzeba nadal siedzieć w rozkroku i czekać na dobry moment, starać się, nie pogubić i być wytrwałym.
Taka właśnie jest rzeczywistość Ukrainy. To walka. O lepsze jutro, o wolność od rosyjskich wpływów, o społeczeństwo obywatelskie i uczciwych polityków. Kibicuję jej z całego serca. Julii Mendel dziękuję za solidną dawkę informacji - jak było i jest naprawdę. Bez pudrowania i bez zbędnych dramatów. Myślę, że tacy jak ona będą po wygranej walce tworzyć Ukrainę.
October 20, 2022
I listened to this on Audible. While I have been paying fairly close attention to Putin’s war on Ukraine the author painted a picture of the country in a way that the news and war podcasts cannot. Her experience growing up, going to school/university, and working in Ukraine depicted a country in transition from kleptocratic government to democracy. Zelensky’s dramatic win and election mandate as President in 2019 showed the pent up desire of the Ukrainian people for their country to become freed of its Russian shackles and embrace its place in Europe. The Zelensky government took numerous sweeping actions to turn away from the endemic corruption left over from Soviet times and move towards transparency, accountability and the rule of law - despite hefty pushback from the remaining Ukrainian oligarchy and Russian disinformation campaigns, and of course Russia’s brutal invasion and bombardment of Ukraine’s buildings and infrastructure. The book is a moving and heartfelt reminder of how the worst of circumstances can bring out the best in people.
November 16, 2022
“Out of all this pain, though, there is one thing I do know: this war, like the fiery breath of an enraged dragon has burned away all that was artificial and superficial in our lives. Through intense pain and sacrifice, it has brought back our understanding of our own value, made us see the good that we an create from unwavering unity and courage and from caring for one another. We have seen the immense power that we drive from learning to work together as a people and a nation.
We are facing the greatest test and are determined to show our strength If some of us die in this struggle, others will be born with the same honor and the will to defend. We are always at the point of beginning. We Ukrainians will never give up – not to Russia, not to terror or any other evil. The sprit of freedom cannot be conquered by centuries of slavery, or by decades of abuse, or by murder, or by cynicism. I have always believed in Ukraine. And I always will.” Pg. 205
We are facing the greatest test and are determined to show our strength If some of us die in this struggle, others will be born with the same honor and the will to defend. We are always at the point of beginning. We Ukrainians will never give up – not to Russia, not to terror or any other evil. The sprit of freedom cannot be conquered by centuries of slavery, or by decades of abuse, or by murder, or by cynicism. I have always believed in Ukraine. And I always will.” Pg. 205
February 9, 2023
Anyone who watches the national TV news programs (and maybe read major newspapers) will know probably understand what is in this book. The book is a view of what happened in the northern area of Europe.
Author Juliia Mendel reminds the readers of the 2022 of the Russians to take over Ukraine.
The events got into the international news forces. Our country worked on stopping was happening. There is material about of what happened to the country in WW2 when the Nazi’s took it over.
However, the small book ends with pages with the importance and power of the current leaders of the country. The book has a story of what happened. The push to vote should not be such a book. .
Author Juliia Mendel reminds the readers of the 2022 of the Russians to take over Ukraine.
The events got into the international news forces. Our country worked on stopping was happening. There is material about of what happened to the country in WW2 when the Nazi’s took it over.
However, the small book ends with pages with the importance and power of the current leaders of the country. The book has a story of what happened. The push to vote should not be such a book. .
August 13, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
Mendel writes passionately and authentically about her country and its struggles to assert itself as a sovereign nation-state and cohesive democracy, from her childhood in Kherson to the present-day Russian invasion. As a former member of Zelenskyy's administration, she explains his perspectives and the behind-the-scenes challenges facing him and his team. She is a strong supporter of Zelenskyy and the few mistakes she does highlight occurred soon after his election, when he was still finding his footing. This is a good introduction to the complexity of Ukrainian politics and culture to an unfamiliar reader, but lacks some of the deeper analysis that more time and the absence of war might have allowed her to write. Still, I found it a valuable read.
Mendel writes passionately and authentically about her country and its struggles to assert itself as a sovereign nation-state and cohesive democracy, from her childhood in Kherson to the present-day Russian invasion. As a former member of Zelenskyy's administration, she explains his perspectives and the behind-the-scenes challenges facing him and his team. She is a strong supporter of Zelenskyy and the few mistakes she does highlight occurred soon after his election, when he was still finding his footing. This is a good introduction to the complexity of Ukrainian politics and culture to an unfamiliar reader, but lacks some of the deeper analysis that more time and the absence of war might have allowed her to write. Still, I found it a valuable read.
October 22, 2022
Everyone Must Read
Mendel has created an easily readible guide to the personality and values of both the Ukrainians and the Russians. She has included enough history to make sense of how both these cultures developed in partnerhsip with each other. Working at the top of a new government dedicated to weeding out cronyism, corruption, and misinformation, she includes a lot of information about those who governed Ukraine before 2019 and those are governing it now. She shows a proud people aware of its own traditions and culture with a burning desire to marry those things into a modern European nation..
Mendel has created an easily readible guide to the personality and values of both the Ukrainians and the Russians. She has included enough history to make sense of how both these cultures developed in partnerhsip with each other. Working at the top of a new government dedicated to weeding out cronyism, corruption, and misinformation, she includes a lot of information about those who governed Ukraine before 2019 and those are governing it now. She shows a proud people aware of its own traditions and culture with a burning desire to marry those things into a modern European nation..
December 5, 2022
Excellent contemporary insights into Ukraine -- the country, its people, some history, and the ongoing struggle with Russia's brutal, colonial ambitions in the region.
While there are much deeper-dives into Ukranian history and the struggle with Russian imperialism (Tom Snyder, etc.), Iuliaa Mendel does a great job giving us a human, emotional perspective into what life in modern day Ukraine was like, first hand glimpses into President Zelensky's character, the Feb 2022 war.
This book is a worthwhile read for anyone wanting to better understand this epic, historical conflict in Europe, which is the most significant challenge to Liberalism since WWII.
(Then go read Snyder and Fukuyama!)
While there are much deeper-dives into Ukranian history and the struggle with Russian imperialism (Tom Snyder, etc.), Iuliaa Mendel does a great job giving us a human, emotional perspective into what life in modern day Ukraine was like, first hand glimpses into President Zelensky's character, the Feb 2022 war.
This book is a worthwhile read for anyone wanting to better understand this epic, historical conflict in Europe, which is the most significant challenge to Liberalism since WWII.
(Then go read Snyder and Fukuyama!)
September 25, 2022
You should read books about the history of Ukraine, and I definitely recommend those by Anne Applebaum and Timothy Snyder. And I’m sure more than a few new books will be written about Ukraine. I’ve reserved space on my bookshelves for them already.
But you’ll understand Ukraine and the current crisis so much better now by reading this excellent firsthand experience by Iuliia Mendel. The Fight of Our Lives will need space on your bookshelf. But more importantly, I am sure you’ll also find space for it in your heart.
But you’ll understand Ukraine and the current crisis so much better now by reading this excellent firsthand experience by Iuliia Mendel. The Fight of Our Lives will need space on your bookshelf. But more importantly, I am sure you’ll also find space for it in your heart.
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