Kyiv 2022: The battle for Ukraine's capital

This is the first authoritative, illustrated account detailing Russia’s high-risk strike on Ukraine’s capital, which was the centerpiece of their failed 2022 invasion plan. Authored by Dr Mark Galeotti, a world expert on Russian military history, this volume explains the conception and planning of Russia’s lightning conquest and how it was ultimately defeated by Ukrainian resistance.

The book explores how Russian commanders, expecting minimal fighting, invaded under-prepared. It details the concerted attempt to seize Hostomel Airport to take the capital, including mercenaries tasked with hunting down the government. The narrative covers how Ukrainian military and civilian resistance thwarted this attack, leading to the Russian retreat within a month, leaving behind the remains of the 40-mile invasion column outside Kyiv.

Drawing extensively on Russian and Ukrainian sources, including interviews with soldiers involved, this is the most detailed study of the operation available in English. Its defeat signaled the shattering of Putin’s expectations of an easy victory and marked the start of the war's reorientation towards the south-east.

• Authoritative, illustrated account of the battle for Ukraine's capital in 2022.
• Analysis of the Russian invasion plan, conception, and ultimate failure.
• Includes extensive use of Russian and Ukrainian sources, including soldier interviews.
• Fully illustrated with photographs, original artwork, and detailed maps.
• Features full-colour battlescenes to bring the conflict narrative to life.

• Brand: Osprey Publishing
• Series: Raid (Book 54 of 55)
• Author: Mark Galeotti
• Illustrators: Robert McSweeney, Edouard A. Groult
• Binding: Paperback
• Print Length: 80 pages
• Language: English
• Publication Date: June 18, 2026
• ISBN-10: 1472869524
• ISBN-13: 978-1472869524
• Dimensions: 185 x 246 mm (approx.)
• Weight: 454 g

This volume provides unparalleled detail on the uniforms and weaponry used, framed by detailed maps that provide key historical context for each action.