Invasion by Luke Harding — a compelling account of Russia’s war on Ukraine

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Top Highlights

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s evolution from a marginal and slightly diminished political figure in the early days of his presidency to the international icon he has become, embodying leadership skills in a world seemingly devoid of them. Zelenskyy and his team’s mastery of storytelling, along with their command of social media, have helped them to control the narrative to a degree not seen in decades, outgunning Putin, a man many thought was a tactical (albeit evil) genius in this arena.

• Putin was never comfortable with Ukraine’s declaration of independence in 1991, but took time to forge his irredentist ambitions.

• how increasingly advanced US weapons have been a game changer for the adaptable and agile Ukrainian military

• Ukraine’s successes on the battlefield, in cyber space and in the information war have inspired many around the world, and have accelerated our learning about how to execute future wars. Students at military academies are assiduously taking notes.

• the Ukrainians have already won