Bunker in Kyiv by John Lyons

The first book written in Australia on the Ukraine War, by ABC’s Global Affairs Editor, John Lyons, based on his reporting from the frontlines.

By daytime, Ukraine is a sophisticated European country going about its business, and Kyiv seems like an enchanting city. But by night, the sirens roar, and the war begins. Ukraine is using the amount of ammunition that all of Europe produces in one day, and yet on the surface, much of the country appears to be going about its business as usual.

This is a very different book as this is a very different war: One fought by a huge army of civilians, from old punk rockers to university professors and Coca Cola brand managers who are working behind the scenes to outwit the Russian army. The real story of this war is how a nation of 44 million people has marshalled to fend off an enemy much bigger and more daunting than them.

Instead of focusing on the geopolitics or strategy of war, Lyons explores the everyday resilient civilians who are taking part in it. It is about survival, not soldiers, and in it Lyons tells us a hopeful story about humanity in the darkest of times.

30 Apr 2025
 

A Bunker in Kyiv: The Astonishing Story of the People’s Army Defying Putin, from respected Australian journalist and author of Balcony Over Jerusalem by John Lyons ISBN 9780733343490