NPR's Book of the Day: Detailed Summary of "Putin's Revenge" by Lucian Kim

Episode Title: Putin's Revenge, Lucian Kim traces the lead-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Host: Robin Young
Author/Guest: Lucian Kim, Senior Ukraine Analyst at the International Crisis Group

Introduction

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Robin Young engages in a comprehensive discussion with Lucian Kim about his new book, Putin's Revenge: Why Russia Invaded Ukraine. Lucian Kim, formerly NPR's international correspondent based in Moscow, provides an in-depth analysis of the historical and political factors that culminated in Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine.

Overview of Putin's Revenge

Lucian Kim's book delves into the intricate web of events and motivations that led to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Spanning over two decades, the narrative explores the legacy of Russian imperialism, the personal ambitions of Vladimir Putin, and the geopolitical maneuvers that set the stage for conflict.

Lucian Kim (01:11):
"Why did Putin invade Ukraine? That's the simple question at the heart of a deep new book... we have a pretty robust answer."

The 2004 Orange Revolution: A Turning Point

The conversation begins with the 2004 Orange Revolution in Ukraine, a pivotal moment that signaled Ukraine's desire to distance itself from Russian influence and align more closely with Western institutions.

Robin Young:
"Putin interfered almost laughably in the election. I mean, it's so obvious that he's doing that. What are we learning there?"

Lucian Kim (03:18):
"In the 2004 presidential elections in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin was pushing for Viktor Yanukovych to become President... Ukrainians took to the streets and reversed the outcome through a people power revolution."

This event marked a significant setback for Putin, who perceived the West's support for pro-European leaders in Ukraine as a direct challenge to his vision of a Eurasian empire.

George W. Bush's Influence on US-Russia Relations

A surprising element highlighted in Kim's analysis is the substantial role former US President George W. Bush played in shaping the dynamics that led to the conflict. Despite Bush's seemingly amicable relationship with Putin, his administration's foreign policies inadvertently fueled Russian resentment.

Robin Young (04:12):
"George W. Bush had a very good personal relationship with Vladimir Putin. Russia was the country that he visited most in his presidency."

Lucian Kim (05:27):
"Putin felt shunned... he felt that he had reached out to help the United States and that help had been rejected... Ukraine participated in the so-called 'coalition of the willing' in Iraq... George W. Bush sought to reward Ukraine by offering a roadmap into NATO."

Kim argues that Bush's encouragement for Ukraine to consider NATO membership ignited fears in Putin about NATO's encroachment into what he considers Russia's traditional sphere of influence. This laid the groundwork for perceived betrayal and fueled Putin's desire for retribution.

The 2014 Annexation of Crimea and Escalating Tensions

The discussion moves to the events of 2014, another critical juncture when Russia annexed Crimea and supported pro-Russian insurgents in eastern Ukraine. This period intensified the geopolitical tug-of-war between Russia and the West.

Lucian Kim (07:06):
"2014... when Russia began its invasion. It wasn't a full-scale invasion, but that's when it seized Crimea and fomented a pro-Russian insurgency in Ukraine."

Kim challenges the Kremlin's narrative of Western-backed coups, asserting that Russia orchestrated the removal of President Yanukovych to facilitate its territorial ambitions.

Lucian Kim (08:24):
"Putin was very confident that the West wouldn't intervene because of Russia's nuclear weapons."

Putin's Imperial Ambitions and Personal Motivations

A central theme in Kim's analysis is Putin's yearning to resurrect the Soviet Union's legacy and establish Russia as the epicenter of a vast Eurasian empire. Coupled with his authoritarian leadership style, these ambitions drive his aggressive policies.

Lucian Kim (08:53):
"Of Russian imperialism... but that idea itself of Russia as the center of a great Eurasian empire is not enough to go and invade your neighbor. There has to be another ingredient, which is Putin's dictatorship."

Kim emphasizes that Putin's increasing paranoia and belief in a Western plot to undermine his regime ultimately led to the invasion of Ukraine as a means of asserting dominance and retaliating against perceived slights.

Ukraine's Shifting Stance on NATO and Western Integration

Initially, Ukraine exhibited mixed feelings about NATO membership. However, Russia's aggression post-2014 galvanized Ukrainian public opinion towards seeking protection and alignment with Western institutions.

Lucian Kim (10:18):
"NATO started this. The Americans provoked it. But in fact, George W. Bush opened that door to NATO, but there was never any real intent to let Ukraine in."

Lucian Kim (10:25):
"Ukrainians only began supporting NATO after 2014, when Russia began its aggression. And people said, well, NATO is the only alliance that can defend us against Russia."

This shift highlights the complex interplay between Ukrainian agency and external influences, showcasing how geopolitical strategies can alter national sentiments and policy directions.

Evolution of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Position

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s political journey from a comedian fluent in Russian to a determined leader advocating for Ukraine's sovereignty underscores the dramatic changes Ukraine has undergone in response to Russian hostility.

Lucian Kim (10:25):
"Zelenskyy... was accused by his opponents of being a Russian tool... But he built his career as a comedian speaking Russian. His jokes are in Russian... He changed his mind once becoming president and seeing how intransigent Putin was to negotiate a peaceful settlement."

Zelenskyy's transformation reflects Ukraine's resilience and the nation's pivot towards a strong stance against Russian aggression, further complicating the East-West relations that Kim argues are at the heart of the conflict.

Key Takeaways and Conclusions

Lucian Kim concludes that the invasion of Ukraine is deeply rooted in a combination of historical imperialist ambitions, personal dictatorial impulses of Vladimir Putin, and misaligned Western policies that inadvertently fueled Russian antagonism.

Lucian Kim (08:53):
"The legacy of Russian imperialism... And another ingredient, which is Putin's dictatorship."

Lucian Kim (10:18):
"There was never any real intent [by the US] to let Ukraine in... setting up an expectation that was never meant to be met. Ukrainians did."

Kim argues that understanding these layered motivations is crucial for comprehending the ongoing conflict and its broader implications for international relations and regional stability.

Conclusion

In Putin's Revenge, Lucian Kim offers a nuanced exploration of the factors leading to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, challenging simplistic narratives and highlighting the profound historical and personal dimensions of the conflict. This episode of NPR's Book of the Day serves as an essential listen for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of one of the most significant geopolitical crises of our time.