Putin's Wars

From Chechnya to Ukraine

By: Mark Galeotti

Narrated by: David Sibley

Bloomsbury presents Putin's Wars by Mark Galeotti, read by David Sibley.

THE FINANICAL TIMES – BEST BOOKS OF 2022

'The prolific military chronicler and analyst Mark Galeotti has produced exactly the right book at the right time.' – The Times

A history of how Putin and his conflicts have inexorably reshaped Russia, including his devastating invasion of Ukraine.

Putin's Wars is a timely overview of the conflicts in which Russia has been involved since Vladimir Putin became prime minister and then president of Russia, from the First Chechen War to the two military incursions into Georgia, the annexation of Crimea and the eventual invasion of Ukraine itself.

But it also looks more broadly at Putin's recreation of Russian military power and its expansion to include a range of new capabilities, from mercenaries to operatives in a relentless information war against Western powers. This is an engrossing strategic overview of the Russian military and the successes and failures on the battlefield.

Thanks to Dr Galeotti's wide-ranging contacts throughout Russia, it is also peppered with anecdotes of military life, personal snapshots of conflicts, and an extraordinary collection of first-hand accounts from serving and retired Russian officers. Russia continues to dominate the news cycle throughout the Western world.

There is no better time to understand how and why Putin has involved his armed forces in a variety of conflicts for over two decades.(P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Critic reviews

The prolific military chronicler and analyst Mark Galeotti has produced exactly the right book at the right time.

Galeotti’s work is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand current events in Ukraine. (Gillian Tett)

Putin’s Wars is essential reading for anyone with an interest in Russia’s military.

The definitive work on this subject to date.

Mark Galeotti is one of the most insightful and incisive analysts on Russia’s past, present, and future. Russia’s February 2022 expanded invasion of Ukraine tragically highlights the critical importance of understanding the connection between politics and war. Galeotti vividly shows how Russia has waged its wars... [and] how those wars shaped the country’s politics and, in turn, how politics shaped Moscow’s military campaigns.

This is a vivid account of how Putin has used armed force during his time in power, culminating in the deadly war in Ukraine.

An accessible, lucid and vivid comprehensive contemporary account of the inner workings, logic and rationales of the central military pillar of Putinism. I unreservedly recommend this gem.

Putin’s Wars is Galeotti at his finest: writing that moves like a spy novel and enough information for the student or professional reader … An excellent and accessible contribution to the field for seasoned Russian observers and those interested in the larger sweep of how it all transpired.

Excellent book to read today

This book is detailed enough for the expert in international relations, but well written enough to be enjoyable to the occasional reader on the subjects

Great reference

I consider this book one of the most scientific and analytic writings concerning Russian military raise.

Excellent non bias coverage of the war in Ukraine

I felt that the entire scope of what is going on in Ukraine not just from February 2022 was addressed and that respect was given to the invasion and the war which actually started in 2014 was given its dues. That being said the authors coverage of the main invasion was exceptional all the way down to the conscripts and how the minority populations of Russia are suffering as a result of Putins war. This was very non bias and well written book that I’m sure will have updated versions as this war drags on.

Excellent

Interesting and well performed. As his other work, very easy to access and well researched.

Deep dive into recent Russian history

This book contains a lot of details on recent Russian conflicts in Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, and Ukraine. It discusses military operations, leaders, armed forces, and weapons. It contains a lot of facts and figures. It seems suitable for someone performing research on recent Russian history.