Corresponding with Carnage
Engaging Paraphrase:
War correspondents who have seen the worst of battle often write the most heart-wrenching books. They venture into dangerous war zones, witnessing the carnage and destruction that more cautious journalists shy away from. These intrepid reporters witness things that others cannot fathom, trapped as they are in the midst of war. And when they share their experiences, they leave an indelible mark on our hearts.
Our Enemies Will Vanish, by Yaroslav Trofimov, is one such distressing book. It chronicles the first year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the country’s fight for independence. Reading it now, on the war’s second anniversary, is doubly poignant. Despite facing a relentless assault from Russian forces, the highly motivated and patriotic Ukrainian armed forces have managed to hold their ground. Trofimov reveals the brutal truth behind this conflict, shedding light on the Russian troops who, without understanding their purpose, have wreaked havoc on Ukraine. Many of these soldiers were deceived into believing they would be welcomed as liberators, but instead, they were met with resistance and hatred.
In the book’s final pages, we meet Anastasia Lisnychenko, a young mother who survived the Russian incursion into central Ukraine. Her story is just one of many that Trofimov meticulously records, refusing to erase the identities of Ukrainian civilians. This attention to detail showcases Trofimov’s deep sense of humanity and respect for those who have suffered.
Yaroslav Trofimov, the chief foreign correspondent of the Wall Street Journal, has dedicated his career to covering wars rather than the less violent aspects of international relations. From Iraq to Somalia, he has reported on conflicts that have shaped our troubled century. Born and raised in Kyiv, Trofimov’s linguistic prowess extends to eight languages, including Malagasy, the main language of Madagascar. His commitment to his craft is evident in his decision to remain in Ukraine when the war broke out, despite being advised to leave by former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
Throughout the book, Trofimov takes us to the towns and cities where the Russians and Ukrainians clash in a deadly struggle. He witnesses the ruthless destruction inflicted by the Russians, including acts of sadism, sexual abuse, and torture against innocent civilians. Amidst this devastation, Trofimov introduces us to the courageous individuals who embody Ukrainian resilience. From President Volodymyr Zelensky to HIMARS battery commander Valentyn Koval, these remarkable people stand firm against the monstrous forces of Putin and Prigozhin.
Despite the challenges they face, Ukraine remains resolutely democratic, even in the midst of war. It is disheartening to contrast this with the lackluster support our own democracy offers in Ukraine’s fight against Putin’s vassalage. Trofimov’s powerful and eloquent book, Our Enemies Will Vanish, should be required reading for every member of Congress. Let us scorn those who fail to engage with this profound work.
Our Enemies Will Vanish: The Russian Invasion and Ukraine’s War of Independence
by Yaroslav Trofimov
Penguin Press, 400 pp., $32
Tunku Varadarajan is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a writer for the Wall Street Journal‘s editorial page.
How does Trofimov’s storytelling in “Our Enemies Will Vanish” capture the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of war?
Manity and empathy, as he recognizes the importance of giving a voice to the victims of this brutal conflict.
Through his vivid and compelling storytelling, Trofimov paints a vivid picture of the realities of war. He describes the devastation that has been inflicted upon Ukrainian cities and towns, the lives that have been lost, and the deep scars that have been left on the survivors. But amidst the despair, there is also hope. Trofimov captures the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people, who refuse to be defeated and continue to fight for their freedom.
What sets Trofimov’s book apart from other war narratives is his ability to engage the reader on an emotional level. His powerful and evocative prose transports the reader directly into the heart of the conflict, allowing them to experience the fear, the grief, and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. By doing so, Trofimov compels us to confront the stark realities of war, to bear witness to the suffering and to acknowledge our collective responsibility to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
“Our Enemies Will Vanish” is not an easy read, nor is it meant to be. It is a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the devastating consequences that result from the actions of those who seek power and domination at any cost. Trofimov’s book serves as a wake-up call to the international community, urging us to pay attention and take action in the face of injustice and aggression.
War correspondents like Trofimov play a crucial role in bringing us the unfiltered truth about the human cost of war. Their bravery and dedication to reporting the facts, no matter how distressing, ensure that we do not remain ignorant or indifferent to the suffering of others. Through their words, they transport us to the front lines, making us witnesses to the atrocities, and inspiring us to strive for a more peaceful and just world.
So let us not turn away from the stories that make us uncomfortable, for it is in facing the harsh realities of war that we can truly understand its devastating impact. “Our Enemies Will Vanish” is a book that demands to be read, to be shared, and to be reflected upon. It is a testament to the power of journalism and the importance of engaging with the stories that shape our understanding of the world.
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