Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is many things.
It’s the story of a Russian autocrat with a twisted view of history obsessed with personal aggrandisement.
It’s the story of an unlikely Ukrainian president, a comedian who became a global statesman.
It’s the story of imperial ambitions and it’s the story of a struggle for national liberation.
But it is also a story about thousands of ordinary Ukrainians, whose lives have been turned upside down over the past three-plus years.
On The Power Vertical Podcast this week, host Brian Whitmore speaks with journalist, writer, and radio producer Jen Stout, author of the just-published and highly acclaimed book, Night Train to Odesa: Covering the Human Cost of Russia’s War.
Enjoy…
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SHOW NOTES
The clips opening the podcast and the second segment came from a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 14, 2025. The translations are as follows:
“I want to thank the defenders of our skies for protecting us from ‘Shahed’ drones and all other attack UAVs. Over a hundred ‘Shaheds’ were launched overnight – a significant number were shot down.”
“He continues to strike Ukraine. There is no military logic behind this. This is clear. It brings him nothing – and it never will. Russia is only prolonging the war, prolonging these killings.”
Jen Stout’s book Night Train to Odesa: Covering the Human Cost of Russia’s War can be purchased here. A video of the book’s launch event at The Atlantic Council can be viewed here. Jen Stout’s journalism and photography can be accessed here.
The Power Vertical Newsletter on Substack can be accessed here. Recently published work by Brian Whitmore can be accessed here, here, and here. Please follow Brian Whitmore and The Power Vertical on Bluesky@powervertical.bsky.social