*Putin vs. Zelensky: The Russo-Ukrainian War by Ben Thompson

Putin vs. Zelensky focuses on biography to give readers a grasp of the fraught history between Russia and Ukraine, and how the current conflict developed.

*Putin vs. Zelensky: The Russo-Ukrainian War by Ben Thompson. Roaring Brook, 2025. 229 pages.

• Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15
• Recommended For: Ages 12 and up

TWO MEN SHAPED BY WAR

According to legend, Spiridon Putin once cooked a meal for the notorious Rasputin. His culinary reputation grew from there until no less a personage than Stalin chose him for a personal chef. Being so close to Stalin could get you killed, but Spiridon managed to survive the Man of Iron, as well as the nightmare siege of Leningrad during World War II. His son Vladimir was severely wounded in that war, during which Vladimir’s family was so destitute that their first two sons died. After the war their fortunes improved, a little. Their third son, named Vladimir after his father, not only lived, but parlayed his native cunning and fortunate connections to become the most powerful man in Russia.

In neighboring Ukraine, Semyon Zelensky also suffered as his country was exploited first by Germans, then by Russians. The latter was actually a continuation of centuries of conflict between the two nations, and the war ended with Ukraine losing what was left of its independence. Semyon’s son Volodomir (the Ukrainian form of Vladimir) was born into poverty like most of his countrymen, but possessed wit and a talent for performing that made him a popular actor, comic, and TV producer. In his last TV series he played a high school teacher who improbably became president of his country—a role he just as improbably repeated in real life.

Putin thought Zelensky was a joke and his country a prime target for reabsorbing into Russia’s orbit. He didn’t expect the former comic to stand up to him, much less rouse his country to put up a stiff defense that’s not done yet.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

The roots of the present war go all the way back to the establishment of Kyivan Rus by the Vikings in 882. That’s a lot of material to cover, but the author uses the two leaders and their immediate background to frame a much longer history. His style is conversational; almost too chatty at times, as in, “With no Duma and no tsar, leadership of Russia then fell to . . . that guy Rasputin. Remember him? The guy from the Part I opening who was legendary for his partying and thought to have some weird magical powers?”

That’s a small complaint, however. Few readers will remember all the details, and there’s no question which side the author favors. But even adults (like me) will appreciate the bird’s-eye view of 1200 years of history, as well as the close focus on two world-movers.

Considerations: none

Bottom Line: An effective exposition of the roots of the Russo-Ukrainian War, with a close focus on the two primary players.

*indicates a starred review, the best of the best in its field

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Reviews: Other history books by Ben Thompson include The Wright Brothers: Dive-Bombing into History and two volumes in the Guts and Glory series: The American Revolution and The Civil War.
• Reviews: Two novels with a Russo-Ukrainian setting: Swimming with Spies and The Lost Year.
• Reflection and Resource: Hayley recalls her time in Eastern Europe in her Ukraine: Lessons in Liberty and Compassion series, starting here. And we’ve got a booklist for you based on her experience: Understanding Ukraine.

You may purchase Putin vs Zelensky from Amazon.