In this edition of Knyzka Corner: Maria Lewytzkyj’s book Putin’s Putsches – Russia, Ukraine and the Near-Abroad Conflict. Maria Lewytzkyj defines “Putsch” as “a violent attempt to overthrow a government.” She explains that Vladimir Putin’s “hybrid war” against Ukraine is a blatant attempt to destabilize the current government. She also tells the stories of ordinary people who are struggling to survive Putin’s “putsches.” It is ironic that Lewytzkyj begins her book with the words of Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy, “Anything is better than lies and deceit!” Based on research from many sources as well as conversations, Lewytzkyj describes the devastating effects of Putin’s actions on the Ukrainian people. She tells readers that, “They are true heroes to me for practicing the rights and freedoms they fight to preserve.” Tatyana Zarovnaya, a journalist for “Newspapers in Ukrainski” and the website Gazeta.ua, was reporting on the conflict in Donetsk when she was attacked by pro-Russian separatists and labelled as a “Provacateur.”  Fearing for her life, she moved to Kiev to live as an internally displaced person. Anna Pavlychko, a mother and aviation company manager in Crimea, was a Jewish-Ukrainian who actively supported the Maidan movement. She was intimidated by pro-Russian activists, witnessed the […]