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Killer in the Kremlin

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Killer in the Kremlin

By: John Sweeney
Narrated by: John Sweeney
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A gripping and explosive account of Vladimir Putin's tyranny, charting his rise from spy to tsar, exposing the events that led to his invasion of Ukraine and his assault on Europe.

In Killer in the Kremlin, award-winning journalist John Sweeney takes listeners from the heart of Putin's Russia to the killing fields of Chechnya, to the embattled cities of an invaded Ukraine.

In a disturbing exposé of Putin's sinister ambition, Sweeney draws on thirty years of his own reporting—from the Moscow apartment bombings to the atrocities committed by the Russian Army in Chechnya, to the annexation of Crimea and a confrontation with Putin over the shooting down of flight MH17—to understand the true extent of Putin's long war.

Drawing on eyewitness accounts and compelling testimony from those who have suffered at Putin's hand, we see the heroism of the Russian opposition, the bravery of the Ukrainian resistance, and the brutality with which the Kremlin responds to such acts of defiance, assassinating or locking away its critics, and stopping at nothing to achieve its imperialist aims.

In the midst of one of the darkest acts of aggression in modern history—Russia's invasion of Ukraine—this book shines a light on Putin's rule and poses urgent questions about how the world must respond.

©2022 John Sweeney (P)2022 Penguin Audio
Politics & Government Russia Russian & Soviet War & Crisis World War Soviet Union Ukraine War
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Having read several books on the tragedy of Russian decline and corrosive power of corruption, Sweeny’s book, read by him, is a thoroughly engrossing ride. Recommended

More aghast at western political weakness than murderous Putin

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An avuncular performance.
In the best possible way.
The only problem was John Sweeney’s loop into Russia-gate.
It was unnecessary (neither Russia nor Trump could plausibly trust or be trusted: let alone share or collude) and put into question everything else.
Otherwise his coverage of the situation was so compelling and downright human I felt I was there.
I am deeply following the Ukraine situation. Highly recommend “Anne Reid’s Borderland” for historical context.
John’s book - after listening to him speak I feel I can call him John - is superb. A terrific contemporary history.

Sounded like my favourite Uncle reading to me

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Great insight thank you so much for your work Mr Sweeney.
The worst of times does bring out the best of people. Your frank, brave, great journalism touched with your delightful sense of humour and life make this book a must read. Please give the world more insight into the REAL world in which we live. Carry on your great work and may you keep safe …. For the balloon ride!

Fabulous, brave and frank!

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It makes you think that any very negative reviews on this book are likely from Russian supporters.

I’ve checked a couple of references and they’re good. I’d see this book as a must read and terribly realistic.

Very passionately presented

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this always to me a opinion sold as fact and there performance is very smug to boot.

unsubstantiated arrogance

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Sure it’s important to understand Putin and his motivations but this felt like a rant and the author injected himself too much into the story. Too much supposition for my liking and it lacked a compelling narrative thread. Some interesting background on Putin, Chechnya etc.

Bit of a rant

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