War History Network readers often seek guidance to contemporary events in historical precedent.  The Russo-Ukrainian War: The Return of History is real-time account written by an historian possessing a deep appreciation of Ukrainian history and culture.  It is an in-depth study of centuries long timeline leading to the current conflict.

The first chapter, “Imperial Collapse”, examines the myths and facts of the relationship between Ukraine and Russia developed over the last five centuries by princes and politicians, warriors and clerics, historians and linguists.  Chapter 2 fast forwards to the 1990s and the parallel tugs-of-war between “Democracy and Autocracy” taking place in Ukraine and Russia.  Chapter 3, “Nuclear Implosion”, raises the issue of the distribution of the Soviet nuclear arsenal from a perspective of how the balance of power between Ukraine and Russia would have been shifted had Ukraine retained the weapons stored in its territory, had not the Bush Administration policy of limiting the number of nuclear states prevailed.  Chapter 4, “The New Eastern Europe” is the twenty-first century story of the during which Russia and its erstwhile vassals shifted their relationships through commercial and political deals.  Chapters 5 through 11 are accounts of hot war from “The Crimean Gambit” to press time in December 2022.  Chapter 12, “The Return of the West”, chronicles the remarkable coalescence of western nations in opposition to Russian aggression.  Chapter 13, “The Pivot To Asia” is an analysis of Russia’s eastern turn to compensate for its lost markets and influence in Europe.

As I followed news reports, I have had many questions, not covered in the press.  How long has Crimea been part of Ukraine?  Since 1954.  Has Ukraine been part of Russia, if so, when?  Much more complicated.  What role have prior wars played in the leadup to this one?  I knew generally that Russia had a fleeting experiment with democracy, but how did it return to autocracy? By what process did Ukraine reach its current political status?  What road has led to the 2022 invasion?  The Russo-Ukraine War provides answers to these and other questions.  It also introduces new concepts that encourage further research and contemplation.  Is this a continuation of the dissolution of the Russian Empire that began in 1917, or maybe even 1905?  Is this truly the return of history, with its military aggression and all that it follows in its wake? Much to think about.  War History Network readers should applaud Prof. Serhii Plokhy for bringing his insights into this informative and thought-provoking book.