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Overreach: The Inside Story of Putin and Russia’s War Against Ukraine Hardcover – April 25, 2023

by Owen Matthews (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 617 ratings
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Winner of the Pushkin House Book Prize 2023

*A Telegraph Book of the Year*

A Times Best Book of Summer 2023

*Shortlisted for the Parliamentary Book Awards*

An astonishing investigation into the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war – from the corridors of the Kremlin to the trenches of Mariupol.

The Russo-Ukrainian War is the most serious geopolitical crisis since the Second World War – and yet at the heart of the conflict is a mystery. Vladimir Putin apparently lurched from a calculating, subtle master of opportunity to a reckless gambler, putting his regime – and Russia itself – at risk of destruction. Why?

Drawing on over 25 years’ experience as a correspondent in Moscow, as well as his own family ties to Russia and Ukraine, journalist Owen Matthews takes us through the poisoned historical roots of the conflict, into the Covid bubble where Putin conceived his invasion plans in a fog of paranoia about Western threats, and finally into the inner circle around Ukrainian president and unexpected war hero Volodimir Zelensky.

Using the accounts of current and former insiders from the Kremlin and its propaganda machine, the testimony of captured Russian soldiers and on-the-ground reporting from Russia and Ukraine, Overreach tells the story not only of the war’s causes but how the first six months unfolded.

With its panoramic view, Overreach is an authoritative, unmissable record of a conflict that shocked Europe to its core.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    432 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Mudlark
  4. Publication date
    April 25, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    6.26 x 1.46 x 9.45 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0008562741
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0008562748
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

‘Not merely the first full account of the war in Ukraine, but may set the standard for some time to come … a remarkable achievement, with Matthews’s expert eye like an all-seeing drone, buzzing from one side of the conflict to the other’ 5* Telegraph

‘A vivid and revealing first draft of history … The strength of his account lies in his ability to tell the story from many angles, weaving them into a single, fast-paced narrative … fascinating’ Financial Times

‘The best current analysis of the countdown to war’ Serhii Plokhy, TLS

‘There will be many more books on Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, but Owen Matthews’ extraordinary perspective has produced an interim account of special value.’ Daily Mail

‘A wave of hurriedly written books about the Russo-Ukrainian war is about to crash over our bookshops and overburdened shelves, but it is hard not to feel sorry for most of their authors. Owen Matthews has already come out with what is not only one of the fastest, but also likely to be the best, setting a painfully high benchmark for those who follow.’ Times

‘The best new book on Russia … a classic as enduring as Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia’ Literary Review

‘Superb … a true page-turner’ Andrew Roberts, BBC History

Book Description

The Inside Story of Putin and Russia’s War Against Ukraine

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mudlark (April 25, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0008562741
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008562748
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.52 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.26 x 1.46 x 9.45 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 617 ratings

About the author

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Owen Matthews

Owen Matthews

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Owen Matthews was born in London in 1971. He studied Modern History at Oxford University before beginning his career as a freelance journalist in Bosnia. His stories have appeared in a number of publications including the Spectator, Harper's and Queen and Private Eye, the Times and Sunday Times, the Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, the Independent and the Independent on Sunday, the Daily Mail and the Times Literary Supplement. From 1995 to 1997 he worked at The Moscow Times, a daily English-language newspaper in Moscow, with forays into Lebanon and Afghanistan.

In 1997 Owen became a correspondent for Newsweek magazine, covering the second Chechen war as well as Russian politics and society. From 2001 to 2006 he was based in Istanbul, covering the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since 2006 he has combined the jobs of Newsweek's Moscow bureau chief and Istanbul correspondent. Owen is the author of Stalin's Children: Three Generations of Love and War, published by Bloomsbury in June 2008, which was shortlisted for that year's Guardian First Books Award and the Orwell Prize for Political Writing, and listed among the Books of the Year by the Sunday Times, Sunday Telegraph and the Spectator. Stalin's Children has been translated into twenty languages, and the French edition (Les Enfants de Staline, Belfond, 2009) was shortlisted for the Prix Medicis Etranger 2009 and the Grand Prix des Lectrices d'Elle 2010.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
617 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

11 Bravo
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye Opening
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
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"Overreach" is enlightening not because of any novel analysis, secret information, or surprise revelations, but because of its straightforward presentation of the collective destructive march of the rump of Imperial Russia, the resentful remnants of a debased Soviet Union, and the current opportunistic elite of a kleptocratic diminished Russia, towards a war they will never win, that sucks them back into the twentieth century, and earned them the scorn of Europe for decades. I particularly liked pages 155 through 158 where Mr. Matthews describes the actors and processes in which the important decisions are made in Russia, a form of careless nepotism and intelectual inbreeding similar to a prison gang, leaving the impression that Russia is actually a criminal organization with an insipid looking flag rather than a nation state. A telling comment of the author is that Russia actually manufactures nothing that the West wants. Even their best weapons are third world trash. Basically, the war with Ukraine has ruined Russia's resource extraction based economy and they have nothing else to fall back on. A big reveal in "Overreach" is the vulnerability of the government and people to the health, whims, and mental fitness of one man, Putin. Unlike many Western nations, Russia has no plan for governmental succession or a history of peaceful political inheritance. While America may face mountains during elections, Russia faces a cliff when its dictator exceeds his shelf life, like North Korea without the rabid family and military control or China minus the entrenched party discipline. Besides religion and mock imperial history, there is no new cult manefesto, no compelling economic theory, no political planks, no party dogma, no enduring ideology, no fanatical storm troopers, no Hammer and Sickle insignia, no Red Star banner, no Mao caps, not even an iconic but unreable "Mein Kamph", nothing to pretend to hold the rudderless ship of state together. Even the armed forces stink. It will be like the 1990s all over again, every man and criminal for himself, until the next mob boss slimes his way to the top. Having said all that, I have a couple of beefs. First, there is no index. I thought that was odd for a book that begs to be re-read and researched for teaching and learning, as it is a great history of the causes and beginning of the conflict. Second, and I admit bias as an Infantryman for thirty one years, but there are no maps. Zero. Yes, I know we have the internet and atlases, but I don't want to have to read with my tablet next to me or another big book laying alongside. A few maps showing the political boundaries of Eastern Europe, the basic geography of the region, and laying out the large combat formations and major military movements of the forces involved, would have been helpful. If Crimea and the Donbas were important enough for the Russians to go to war for and kill both Ukranians and their own soldiers by the thousands, it would be nice to graphically see why somewhere in the book. Not having photos was not a big deal as most readers have a decent idea of what the principal actors look like and how badly busted Russian tanks burn, but they would have been an asset too. I am going to be bold enough to recommend reading the concluding chapter twelve FIRST ("Til Vahall") as it explains where the rest of the material is going without taking anything away from the journey. Mr. Mathews' recommendation of Woodward's "Plan of Attack" is a good one too. Russians are not the only people capable of a herd mentality, group think, and self-delusion.
4 people found this helpful
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Alexey B.
4.0 out of 5 stars Much-needed and insightful book with some factual errors
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2023
In "Overreach," Owen Matthews provides a poignant and informative perspective on the early stages of the Russo-Ukrainian war. With his unique background as a foreigner with strong ties to Russia, Matthews is able to offer a thought-provoking examination of the events that unfolded up to the fall of 2022. The author's personal connection to the conflict - having lived in Russia for over 25 years, having Russian roots and children who consider themselves Russian - adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. His family was, as many others, uprooted by the war, if not impacted in the most tragic ways that other families, mostly Ukrainian, were.

Through vivid storytelling, Matthews delves into the details of the war's early days, painting a picture of tragedy for the Ukrainian people and senseless acts of violence by Russian soldiers. The reader is also given a glimpse into the frightening atmosphere that pervaded Moscow, where the “acrid smoke” of paranoia and a “blanket of fear” shrouded the city almost instantly.

Matthews traces the gradual descent of Russian President Vladimir Putin into isolation and paranoia, ultimately culminating in his disastrous decision to try and conquer Ukraine. He resists the temptation to label Putin insane and instead portrays him (and to some degree his opponents from NATO) as figures from an ancient Greek tragedy who, through their actions, bring about the very outcome they are trying to avoid. He cuts surprisingly little slack to Ukrainian President Zelensky as well. He portrays Zelensky's decision to eradicate Russian influence in Ukraine through internal sanctions and his rejection of Steinmeier's formula for Donbass as fateful, if perhaps unavoidable, steps that ultimately led to an escalation of the conflict.

With focus on the motivations and constraints of the key players involved, Matthews believes that NATO cannot afford to let Ukraine lose the war, while Putin's regime and potentially his life depend on avoiding a catastrophic loss (although, with his control of the Russian media intact, Putin will be well-positioned to declare just about any outcome that doesn’t involve the loss of Crimea a victory). Matthews suggests that at best, Putin's failed invasion of Ukraine could mark the end of expansive imperialism in European history. At worst?.. Putin tried nuclear blackmail and failed, but it doesn’t mean such an escalation is impossible for an erratic leader who already brought about the largest possible threat to his regime for an illusory and utterly unachievable goal. Anyway, Putin has poisoned Russia's future in the root and his self-declared victory will be one of the uneducated over the educated and of the past over the future, Matthews writes.
Unfortunately, this book suffers from issues with editing and fact-checking. The author makes several inaccuracies, such as claiming that Vladimir the Great was known as Valdemar and that ancient Chersonesus he ruled over is the same as modern-day Kherson. The Savur-Mohyla obelisk wasn’t 300 meters tall, and there’s no evidence that 150,000 Soviet troops were buried there. The claim that 100,000 people make up a third of Crimea's population is incorrect. The book also mischaracterizes the relationship between the Russian and Ukrainian languages: I would refrain from saying that they are mutually unintelligible and are as far away from each other as English and Dutch. These (and many other) mistakes may detract from the book's overall credibility and integrity. But overall the book provides a comprehensive, balanced and insightful view of the war and its potential outcomes.
11 people found this helpful
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Shana butler
5.0 out of 5 stars A great overview of the Russia/Ukraine relationship
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
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This book was well written and east to follow, even for those not well-versed in Russian history, military lingo, and the layout of Ukraine. It gave a fantastic explanation of how this war came about, and the catch-22s that exist today if and when this war comes to an end. It also painted a great picture of the inner workings of Putin and his small group of advisers. It also gave the reader insights into Putin’s flawed rationale behind the war. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking to understand how this conflict came about.
4 people found this helpful
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Raymond
5.0 out of 5 stars A very well guided visit to Siloviki-land
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2023
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I was very impressed by the amount of knowledge expressed in this literary-work-of-art. Now all the news and pieces of facts from TV and radio and newspapers and journals become clear and arranged in a comprehensive order. The Russian Psyche stands out, the author has indeed deep knowledge of how the russian people is regarding themselves and the Western World. This work is like a bridge over the confusion concerning the present genocidal Z-WAR. Everyone who is interested in geopolitics would benefit from reading this superb book.
2 people found this helpful
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Ratatosk
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book on the Russo-Ukraine war and more
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2023
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Describes in detail the history behind why Russia and Ukraine are at war.
Also very good in analysing different scenarios for how the war can end in a balanced way.
4 people found this helpful
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Peter Sprague
5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary book.
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2022
Verified Purchase
Owen Matthews writes from the perspective of his own family history in Russia and the Ukraine.

I would suggest that the reader start at 50% of the book for the recent history of the Ukrainian war up to Sept 25, 2020. It is an extraordinarily vivid recounting of what has and is happening.

Go back to read the first half for for the historical background that brought us to this moment in History.
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Top reviews from other countries

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francoise wiggett
5.0 out of 5 stars Arrived in perfect shape. Like new
Reviewed in Canada on April 15, 2024
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Book arrived in good time and looked new
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Brian Lait
5.0 out of 5 stars Incisive
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 5, 2024
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Combining clear skills as a journalist with total fluency in Russian (mother born in Russian speaking Ukraine in USSR in 1934, Russian wife, etc.) Matthews has succeeded in writing a very incisive and educational book regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine. Although published in 2022 it examines the history of Ukraine's relationship with Russia and the rise of Putin.

What makes it sort of exceptional for me are the myriad of personal stories included, arising from interviews with many different personnel, such as:
The funeral director, Mykhailo Sokurenko who wanted to drop bodies from a plane over Moscow to show people there exactly what was going on, Anna Bondarenko a TV news producer who described the propaganda she was instructed to broadcast as "shit", Svetlana Terekhova stranded in Milan unable to pay for her hotel when sanctions bit, Larisa Boiko's suffering in Mariupol and Jimmy S and his mate Lambie in Kharkiv.

Matthews clearly shows how Zelensky has changed from a comedian into a very skilful and hard-nosed leader who is a great credit to his nation.

I lived and worked in Kyiv through into the new millennium when Russians and Ukrainians lived and worked side by side in what, to me, appeared to be peace. How that must have changed.

This book is the very first time I have heard or seen anything in writing as to how Putin got from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Headhunted by Voloshin with the aid of Berezovsky ??? Although interesting, I am still sceptical about that.

It is interesting to be reminded that Russia has failed to manufacture anything wanted by the world with the exception, perhaps, of military arms.

I deduce that perhaps, just perhaps, a lot might have been avoided if NATO had been more careful and, certainly, if the USA had made a better fist of withdrawing from Afghanistan.

What the west very much fails to grasp is that unlike the west, Russians do not blame their leaders for failures and incompetence.

Further, the majority of Russians are close to the monthly average salary of £802 and some 14% are below the poverty line on £120 per month. The withdrawal of the fancy retailers does not affect them one jot.

Thank you Mr. Matthews for a very, very informative read. Very enjoyable, and not a little scary !
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Cliente Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
Reviewed in Spain on September 21, 2023
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No tiene pérdida, la Rusia más oscura contada de forma brillante.
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Dr. Juhi Garg
1.0 out of 5 stars Biased!
Reviewed in India on July 8, 2023
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Hands down.. the most biased book ever written. It’s only written with the western perspective. Not even grey. It’s completely black and white according to the author. Hard to finish.

Good binding printing and overall quality though.
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Dennis Gazarek
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
Reviewed in Canada on November 24, 2023
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Very well written and detailed explanation of why Russia started the war. Great insight into Russo-Ukrainian history, and the inner workings of Putin's Kremlin.
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