Borderland

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Borderland explores Ukraine's rich and tortured history, a story marked by a millennium of invasions, occupations, and revolutions. Flat, fertile, and fatally tempting to invaders, Ukraine has long been the prize in the power struggles of its more powerful neighbours. Despite its modern national movement dating back to the early nineteenth century, it wasn't until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 that Ukraine finally secured its independence.

The narrative follows Ukraine's journey into a new era post-independence, highlighting the resilience and determination of its people. In 2014, mass demonstrations led to the ousting of a corrupt, pro-Russian president. Russia's aggressive response included the annexation of Crimea and the initiation of armed conflict in the eastern Donbass region, escalating dramatically with the 2022 invasion aimed at seizing Kyiv. With substantial support from Western allies, Ukraine mounts a stout defence, yet the outcome of the war, the bloodiest in Europe since World War II, remains uncertain.

In this edition, Anna Reid revisits Ukraine to capture the contemporary pulse of the nation as it endures its most severe trials. She brings fresh perspectives by interviewing refugees, political figures, and victims of widespread war crimes committed during the Russian invasion. These firsthand accounts breathe life into the country's ongoing struggle for sovereignty and democracy, amidst the harsh realities of modern warfare.

Praised by the Independent as "a fascinating and often violent odyssey, spanning more than 1,000 years of conflict and culture," Borderland is a definitive work that offers a crucial understanding of Ukraine's past and its critical role in the current geopolitical landscape. Whether you are a scholar, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking to understand the complexities of this beleaguered nation, Anna Reid's comprehensive account provides invaluable insights into the heart and soul of Ukraine.