A Bunker in Kyiv

The Astonishing Story of the People’s Army Defying Putin

By: John Lyons

Narrated by: Peter Houghton

By daytime, Ukraine is a sophisticated European country going about its business, and Kyiv seems like an enchanting city. But by night, the sirens roar, and the war begins. Ukraine is using the amount of ammunition that all of Europe produces in one day, and yet on the surface, much of the country appears to be going about its business as usual.

This is a very different audiobook as this is a very different war – one fought by a huge army of civilians, from old punk rockers to university professors and Coca Cola brand managers who are working behind the scenes to outwit the Russian army. The real story of this war is how a nation of 44 million people has marshalled to fend off an enemy much bigger and more daunting than them.

Instead of focusing on the geopolitics or strategy of war, Lyons explores the everyday resilient civilians who are taking part in it. It is about survival, not soldiers, and in it Lyons tells us a hopeful story about humanity in the darkest of times.

2025 Walkley Book Award Long-listed

2026 Indie Book Awards (Australia) Non Fiction Short-listed

©2025 John Lyons. John Lyons asserts his moral right to be identified as the author of this Work. First published in English by HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited in. (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing. This audio version produced by arrangement with HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited

The details and research are top rate

The author has spent a significant amount of time researching first hand the terrible situation that is apparent. He highlights major challenges for NATO and the free world.