In the 12 months following Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, approximately one million Russians fled their country and went into exile abroad. Percentage-wise, the number of people who left represent only a small portion of Russia’s population. But symbolically, journalist Paul Starobin argues in Putin’s Exiles: Their Fight for a Better Russia, this new generation of Russian exiles represents a powerful force, the seeds of “an uprising that had at its goal the making of a freer, less warlike Russia, shorn of its evident social pathologies.” These are people waging a long-distance fight to achieve the dream of “Russia without Putin.”

In six short but vivid chapters, Starobin meets with various members of the Russian exile community and shares their stories. Some are men who have left their homeland for reasons of self-protection and self-interest, refusing to risk their lives fighting a war in Ukraine they consider unjust. Others reject Vladimir Putin’s disinformation regime and seek to counter it with journalism produced under free conditions beyond the reach of the Russian state. Starobin speaks with former clergy in the Russian Orthodox Church who seek to practice their religion without the nationalism instilled by Patriarch Kirill. And, of course, there are the political exiles, most prominently those working in the extended network of Alexei Navalny and seeking to bring a new era of corruption-free government to Russia.

The recent death of Navalny and the continuation of Russia’s war in Ukraine casts a pall over Starobin’s optimism. The Russian exile population may be large, but it is not a unified community working together for a common cause. If the dream of “Russia without Putin” is to be realized one day, the disparate groups that have gone into exile will need to put their own reasons for doing so to the side and unite in support of that common cause. As detailed in Putin’s Exiles, such conditions do not yet exist—but the possibility that they might represents a shred of hope in an otherwise dispiriting situation.

Timely and relevant, this short survey of some of the million Russians who have been forced to flee their country due to their opposition to Putin and the war in Ukraine makes for some fascinating reading. Paul Starobin has interviewed people from a cross-section of those exiles, and it is these first-hand accounts that form the basis of this book. I found it so interesting hearing their views and opinions, plus their hopes for the future and a better Russia. I’m glad they have had their chance to be heard.

I really thought this would be a history of Russia post Soviet Union/Under all of Putin's time, but it was not. This was 90% around the war in Ukraine, and focused on certain aspects only. I guess I was thinking this would be about the entire time frame and the different people and reasons as to why they were exiled. If you go into reading this book knowing it is mostly about Ukraine/Russia, then you might have a different view/opinion on this book, but if you think it is a generality, then you will be mistaken/let down on this read.

Thank you NetGalley for my eARC.

"Putin's Exiles: Their Fight for a Better Russia" by Paul Starobin is a compelling exploration of the individuals who have chosen to stand against the Russian government and the challenges they face in their pursuit of a better Russia. The book stands out for its insightful portrayal of the exiles and their commitment to democracy and human rights, providing a nuanced perspective on the complex political landscape.

One commendable aspect of the book is Paul Starobin's dedication to shedding light on the stories of those who have been forced into exile due to their opposition to the Russian government. The author's in-depth research and interviews with key figures contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the struggles faced by these individuals. The narrative skillfully weaves together personal stories with the broader political context, offering readers a nuanced and empathetic portrayal.

Starobin's writing style is engaging and informative, allowing readers to connect with the exiles and comprehend the challenges they encounter. The author navigates the complexities of Russian politics, providing historical context and contemporary analysis to enhance the reader's understanding. The inclusion of various perspectives adds depth to the narrative, capturing the diversity of the exiles' backgrounds and their shared commitment to democratic values.

However, some readers may find the political intricacies and historical background challenging to follow, especially if they are less familiar with Russian politics. While the book provides context, individuals seeking a more concise overview may find certain sections demanding.

In conclusion, "Putin's Exiles" is a thought-provoking and well-researched exploration of those who have chosen exile to advocate for a better Russia. Paul Starobin's empathetic storytelling and comprehensive analysis contribute to a nuanced understanding of the individuals and the political landscape they navigate. While the political complexities may require closer attention, the overall impact of the book lies in its ability to humanize the struggles of those committed to fostering positive change in Russia.

This is a quick book surveying Russians who abandoned their country once Putin began his "special military operation" against Ukraine. Granted, many of those who fled were thinking more of their personal comfort, but it was uplifting to read about those who where more principled. Even more uplifting was reading about some of the exiled Russians who are working behind the scenes to help Ukraine win the war, like the physicist who helped develop defensive equipment and was honored by Ukraine for doing so, and about those who have enlisted in the Ukrainian army and are risking their lives for Ukraine's freedom. There are others working behind the scenes in Russia, assisting with sabotage. Those Russians willing to defy Putin are a small percentage of the whole. But even so, this book gives me hope that one day there might be a Russia that isn't premised on killing one's neighbors and isn't premised on treating ones own citizens as medieval slaves.

Columbia Global Reports states at the end of the book it is their intention for "original thinking and on-site reporting" by way of "short-novella-length, and readable in a few hours- but ambitious" books. It further states, "They offer new ways of looking at and understanding the major issues of our time". I would say author Paul Starobin nailed it. The book flowed well as he described through personal interviews and research different types of exiles, from the average citizen to media, religious, and political exiles. It broadened my limited understanding of the current events regarding Russia. It also broadened my understanding of living in exile and its effects to each person/group. Lastly, he illustrates the generational differences that exist in Russia and the effect that has on family dynamics/relationships. I recommend this book for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of the difficulties Russian citizens currently face taking a stand for what they believe in and how they manage those difficulties.

I was grateful to receive a free digital copy of this book by NetGalley.