Why did Vladimir Putin launch his devastating attack on Ukraine in February 2022? And is Western policy towards Russia to blame for the bloodiest war on European soil since 1945? Peter Conradi, Europe Editor of the Sunday Times, analyses the series of mistakes and misunderstandings on both sides since the end of the Soviet Union in this updated version of his critically acclaimed book. This edition contains five new chapters that bring the story right up to the present day, examining the events leading to the invasion and setting out what the conflict will mean for the future of Europe

Previous edition: 2017.

I.The time of troubles -- The ties that bind -- The boys in pink trousers -- In search of a new Marshall Plan -- Stockholm syndrome -- Eastward bound -- Bill and ol' Boris -- A fatal error? -- Kosovo -- II. Rebirth -- A new start -- A sense of Putin's soul -- From 9/11 to Iraq -- "Mission accomplished" -- The Colour Revolutions -- Munich -- The trap -- III. The hot peace -- Overload -- Silicon valley -- The return of the chief -- Ukraine -- A piece of paradise -- "You do it too" -- Towards Eurasia -- The Siberian candidate -- The Trump presidency -- IV. Towards war -- Collusion? -- Servant of the people -- President for life -- America is back -- The road to war -- Epilogue