Freedom and Terror in the Donbas: A Ukrainian-Russian Borderland, 1870s-1990s

by Hiroaki Kuromiya
Freedom and Terror in the Donbas: A Ukrainian-Russian Borderland, 1870s-1990s cover
Good Books rating 4.25
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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  • ID: 11446
  • Added: 2026-03-09
  • Updated: 2026-03-11
  • ISBN: 9780521526081
  • Publisher: Cambridge University Press
  • Published: 1998-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Freedom and Terror in the Donbas delves into the complex history of the Ukrainian-Russian borderland, known for its freedom and the terror it has endured. This detailed panorama spans from its foundation as a coal and steel industrial center to the post-Soviet present, highlighting its role as a haven for fugitives and a constant political challenge. The book offers new insights into pivotal events such as the Russian Revolution, the famine of 1932-33, the Great Terror, World War II, collaboration, the Holocaust, and de-Stalinization, all from a regional perspective. /n/n Drawing on previously closed Soviet archives, including the former KGB archives in the Donbas, the book presents a fresh interpretation of these critical events. It sheds light on the unique dynamics of the Donbas, making it a crucial read for understanding modern Ukrainian and Russian history.

Reviews
Archive.org · 2022-07-21
thought-provoking 4.25

The book discusses both the freedom and the terror experienced in the Donbas region. The reviewer finds the exploration of these themes compelling and well-researched.

This review focuses on the book's exploration of the dual themes of freedom and terror in the Donbas region. The reviewer finds the discussion of these themes compelling and well-researched, providing a nuanced understanding of the region's history. The book is seen as a valuable resource for those interested in the complex dynamics of the Ukrainian-Russian borderland. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to present a balanced and insightful analysis, making the book both informative and thought-provoking. The historical context and the use of previously closed archives are particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    This book discusses both the freedom of the Ukrainian-Russian borderland of the Donbas and the terror it has suffered because of that freedom.

    The discussion of these themes is compelling and well-researched.

    A valuable resource for those interested in the complex dynamics of the Ukrainian-Russian borderland.

Goodreads · 1999-01-01
informative 4.00

The book provides a comprehensive overview of the Donbas region's history, highlighting its unique cultural and political dynamics. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the insightful analysis presented.

This book offers a detailed exploration of the Donbas region, a borderland between Ukraine and Russia, from the 1870s to the 1990s. The reviewer commends the author for drawing on a wealth of new information from previously closed archives, providing a panoramic view of the region's tumultuous history. The analysis is thorough and insightful, shedding light on the complex interplay of freedom and terror that has characterized the Donbas. The reviewer particularly appreciates the author's ability to weave together historical events and cultural dynamics, making the book a valuable resource for understanding the region's past and present.

Quick quotes

    A comprehensive overview of the Donbas region's history.

    The author draws on a wealth of new information from previously closed archives.

    The analysis is thorough and insightful.

Slavic Review · TH Friedgut · 1999-01-01
comprehensive 4.50

The book is praised for its detailed and panoramic picture of the Donbas region's history. The reviewer finds the use of new information from closed archives particularly noteworthy.

In this review, TH Friedgut highlights the book's ability to paint a detailed yet panoramic picture of the Donbas region's history. The reviewer appreciates the author's use of new information from previously closed archives in Ukraine and Russia, which adds depth and richness to the historical narrative. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the understanding of the region's complex history, particularly in the context of the interplay between freedom and terror. The reviewer commends the author for providing a comprehensive and insightful analysis that is both informative and engaging.

Quick quotes

    The book paints a detailed yet panoramic picture of the tumultuous history of the Donbas.

    The use of new information from closed archives adds depth and richness to the historical narrative.

    A significant contribution to the understanding of the region's complex history.

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