Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves through the democratic world, reminding us how precarious open, free societies can be.

In speeches that span the time between his election and the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky seeks to elevate this conflict from a territorial dispute into a battle for a moral idea of Europe.

About the Book

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has shocked the world. But for many longtime analysts and regional experts, the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine was unsurprising. It fit a pattern with roots going back centuries.

During the Euromaidan protests, media reporting and analysis frequently framed the situation rather simplistically: a fight between pro-Europeans and anti-Europeans, police and demonstrators, Ukraine versus Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fought to raise awareness of the conflict and rally support for his country. He did so by delivering powerful war speeches. Messages from Ukraine brings together a new introduction by the author with his most powerful war speeches to tell Ukraine’s story, one of a nation valiantly defending itself from Russian aggression. Proceeds from the book will go to United24, a campaign launched by Zelensky to collect donations in support of Ukraine.

About the Author

Bringing together a new introduction by President Volodymyr Zelensky with his most powerful war speeches, this book recounts Ukraine’s story through the words of its leader. It is the tale of a brave nation valiantly defending itself from Russian aggression and fighting for the values of democracy. It is a call for us all to stand up, to support Ukraine and to fight for freedom. If not now, when?

Despite the violence, displacement and uncertainty, Ukrainians continue to act creatively in a chaotic field to provide for each other. They have also invested in international communication, framing a unclouded narrative of a country violated by its savage neighbour and rallying itself in acts of defiance and unexpected resilience. This has paid dividends. By 2022, Ukraine mattered in Western publics as never before. Its story was told in unambiguous terms and with a sense of urgency that resonated with audiences. The result was a powerful, multilevel communications campaign that reshaped the global imagination.

About the Publisher

Publisher’s Description

On 24 February 2022 Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine that dominated headlines across the globe. Millions of Ukrainians would be displaced, and the country’s reputational security would be tested.

At that time President Volodymyr Zelensky’s image and messaging had acquired special salience. As an actor/comedian turned political candidate he was adept at old and new media, easily adapting his words into memes while his formal statements to parliaments around the world were carefully crafted with allusions chosen to resonate with local political culture.

As a result of this strategic communication, Ukraine’s story went viral and the public largely became convinced that Ukraine’s struggle was righteous and legitimate. This blunting of Russian propaganda augmented the credibility of Ukraine’s case for a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict, enabling it to gain support in NATO member states, reversing a trend that had prevailed in 2014. The term ‘Ukraine Crisis’ slowly lost currency, with audiences referring to the country simply as Ukraine or, if necessary, Kyiv.

About the Reviewers

Ukraine was a constant feature in international news media from the end of 2013 until the summer of 2014 as a fast moving, complex story about democracy and power. However, as the conflict grew more protracted and Russia’s annexation of Crimea became more entrenched, the story slipped from headlines.

In a series of speeches, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky rallies his country to resist Russia’s aggression and to forge its own future. Bringing together his most powerful war speeches, Message From Ukraine recounts a compelling tale of defiance and determination—and offers a timely reminder that rhetoric matters.