Revenge

‘Under Vladimir Putin, Russia – which is actually the largest country in Europe – has left Europe. Once again an Iron Curtain has descended on the continent. When I travel to Russia I am usually stopped at the airport. The border official keeps hold of my passport and talks at length to his superior on the phone. A man in a dark suit, probably secret service, comes to fetch me and takes me to a basement room. In it is a desk, an old box-spring mattress, broken chairs, dust in the corners. I have to answer questions: Where do you live? What do you think about the military operation? What is the purpose of your visit to Russia? I give brief answers, and wonder: are they ever going to let me into the country? And are they going to let me out?’ - Michael Thumann

*‘Putin has destroyed his life’s work – the “stabilising of Russia”. His unbridled destructiveness is now directed against Ukraine as well as his own country – and potentially the world.’

*Russia’s descent into dictatorship and the path to Putin’s imperialist war – a compelling combination of journalistic reportage and political and historical analysis

*Michael Thumann is one of the last German correspondents still living in Moscow

*The book is based on numerous meetings and exclusive conversations with key figures in Russian politics and society