The Fight of Our Lives: My Time with Zelenskyy, Ukraine's Battle for Democracy, and What It Means for the World

In this book experienced journalist Iulia Mendel skillfully and movingly provides a window into the people, history, politics, and social dynamics of Ukraine as it attempts to move from under the dominance of its former Soviet "master" (Russia), with its remnants of collectivism succeeded by rapacious oligarchy, into a modern, democratic Western-oriented model of opportunity and freedom for the individual. Mendel highlights the human factor by detailing her own journey as a "first-generation" post-Soviet citizen from working class origins to her achieving, through self-motivation and education, the pinnacle of influence as President Volodymyr Zelinsky's press secretary. Mendel's personal journey allows her to share insights onto the changes and challenges of Ukrainian society and government as it struggles to throw off its Soviet past through democratic reforms. Yet this book is more than just a treatise on history and government. It's a moving story of individual struggle and triumph, of incredible bravery and sacrifice in an atmosphere of political turmoil and brutal war. It's a story of a brilliant, committed, and courageous leader (Zelinsky) and how he fought the entrenched corruption and power structures in his country to make the government work for the people. Finally, it's a glimpse into the struggle the world's democracies face as they confront (as they must) the insidious schemes of authoritarian regimes that seek to destroy democratic ideals and systems and replace them with , to paraphrase Lincoln, "government of the people, by the few, for the few." These include (Western readers take note!) fomenting political extremism, class warfare, and the use of propaganda to manipulate whole populations into doing the authoritarians' will. This is a beautifully written book that contains many profound and timely truths for our generation.

This book shares the rise and reality of a world leader who looks beyond any kind of science fiction book, shares the vision of a self-made woman who emerges from a young country immersed in thousands of corruption problems.This book shares the stories of a person who lived minute by minute the entire process of the new Ukrainian government and how someone with the determination to do things well can generate real and positive changes with teamwork and honesty.Learn about how marvelous and amazing are Ukranian people, they defend their land with love and passion.Thank you Iulia for this amazing book, I can't wait to read the rebirth of Ukraine after winning this war soon. #SlavaUkraine

For more than two years, Iuliia Mendel worked side by side with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Her book provides an insider’s view of how this lawyer, Constitutional scholar, and entertainment industry leader – no mere “comedian” – won his election, battled corruption and became the man who could unite his country against Russian tyranny. This account is an honest, factual portrayal of Ukraine and Zelenskyy. It lays out the country’s problems and Zelenskyy’s early mistakes. But it also describes how Zelenskyy quickly learned the ropes of politics and became the leader who could unite his nation against Putin’s invasion. A reader comes away from the book with the recognition that today’s Ukrainians have much in common with the American colonists of 1776. They escaped domination from a foreign bully. They cherish their newfound freedom, and they will fight to the end to preserve it. There is a second story in this book. Iuliia Mendel’s evolution from a schoolgirl in rural Kherson to an internationally respected journalist is an inspiring account of how hard work, perseverance, and a bit of good timing have molded a strong woman, emblematic of the new generation of young Ukrainians. I highly recommend this book.

Yes, Ukraine is in the fight of their lives against Russia and the mobster Putin. If America and the rest of Europe doesn’t choose to join soon in that fight, we will likely see the rest of Eastern Europe fall once again to the Russian bear. We need to heed this warning!

A must read for anyone who wants to understand modern Ukraine and tectonic geopolitical shifts happening around it. Learn about history in the making from an insider.

Mendel has created an easily readible guide to the personality and values of both the Ukrainians and the Russians. She has included enough history to make sense of how both these cultures developed in partnerhsip with each other. Working at the top of a new government dedicated to weeding out cronyism, corruption, and misinformation, she includes a lot of information about those who governed Ukraine before 2019 and those are governing it now. She shows a proud people aware of its own traditions and culture with a burning desire to marry those things into a modern European nation..

Well written book, easy to read and follow! I think all Ukrainians and intelligent people should know what is going on in Ukraine from a trusted source. I like reading about Julia’s experience during her term with President, her passion to serve and strong will of our President.

By reading this book I now understand the reason for Putin's attack on Ukraine much better. A must read for those who would like to understand Putin's fixation better. Excellent book Iuliia, well done. May the truth always win.

Iuliia Mendel worked as President Zelenskyy's press secretary and spokesperson from 2019-2021, so her book gives a poingnant but clear-eyed view of the lead-up to Russia's latest invasion of Ukraine. Although a journalist by trade, she creates an almost cinematic feel to some of the events that she was a firsthand witness to (e.g. the Normandy Format meeting where Zelenskyy first met Putin in 2019, and a number of visits to the war-torn Donbas region). But the book isn't only about the man who unexpectedly became president, interesting though that is - it is a story of Mendel growing up in a village in independent Ukraine, her academic achievements, international work and travel, and how she ended up on the frontline of events as a larger war was brewing in Europe. I came away with a greater understanding of the current situation, and an even deeper admiration for the Ukrainian people.

Excellent and very readable story of the issues facing Ukraine 🇺🇦. Mendel has produced a very engaging narrative. Highly recommend.

It took me just a few hours to complete this book and it informed me of both modern Ukranian society and the importance of someone like Zelenskyy challenging the political elite. The way the author describes the feelings of a young, hopeful but internally strugling state trying to free itself from Soviet legacy is both convincing and tragic, It strengthens my belief that Russia's brutal invasion was inevitable, an old being desperately clinging to it's past. I hope sincerely that Ukraine emerges victorious out of this conflict into a bright future as a fully recognized state and the author actually made me belief that they have the right president pushing them towards this goal.

I'm reading this book now, but just wanted to jump in here early:Juliia writes brilliantly, and conveys right from the start how Ukraine was never a "lock" to become the great, newly independent country in Europe. But led by President Zelenskyy, and forced by the threat of Russia to be superb or perish, Ukrainians have soared -- and I'll tell you all about it when I'm finished. Thank you Juliia -- Glory to the Heroes!

Compelling modern historical narrative wonderfully interwoven with personal anecdotes of the author and Zelenskyy which form a key narrative, and help ground the broader historical events in real life. Really well done, and essential reading for anyone who wants to understand modern Ukraine.