Midnight in Moscow

A Memoir from the Front Lines of Russia's War Against the West

De: John J. Sullivan, General Jim Mattis

Narrado por: John J. Sullivan, Matt Godfrey

A memoir of service by the American ambassador who was on the diplomatic front lines when Putin invaded Ukraine, Midnight in Moscow is the first behind-the-scenes account of how U.S.-Russia relations hit their nadir—and a playbook for our unfolding confrontation.

For weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, John J. Sullivan, the U.S. ambassador in Moscow, was warning that it would happen. When troops finally crossed the border, he was woken in the middle of the night with a prearranged code. The signal was even more bracing than the February cold: it meant that Sullivan needed to collect his bodyguards and get to the embassy as soon as possible. The war had begun, and the world would never be the same.

In Midnight in Moscow, Sullivan leads listeners into the offices of the U.S. embassy and the halls of the Kremlin during this climactic period—among the most dangerous since World War II. He shows how the Putin regime repeatedly lied about its intentions to invade Ukraine in the weeks leading up to the attack, while also devoting huge numbers of personnel and vast resources to undermining the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia. And he explains how, when Putin ultimately gave the order to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, he proved that Russia was not just at war with its neighbor: it was also at war, in a very real sense, with the United States, and with everything that it represents. But while Putin decided how this conflict started, its ending will be shaped by us.

With his unique perspective on a pivotal moment in world history, Sullivan shows how our relationship with Russia has deteriorated, where it’s headed, and how far we should be prepared to go in standing up to the menace in Moscow.

©2024 John Sullivan (P)2024 Little, Brown & Company

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Midnight in Moscow is nonfiction that reads like a thriller. With rich, personal details, John Sullivan lifts the curtain on the real Russia and offers a compelling portrait of tough, effective diplomacy in our complex world.”—Wendy R. Sherman, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State

"Riveting and rich in detail, Midnight in Moscow ranges from the 'pressure cooker' of Donald Trump's Washington to the 'hot seat' of Moscow, offering an illuminating account of the last-ditch diplomatic efforts to head off disaster as Vladimir Putin careens toward war with Ukraine. Readers will be grateful that such a distinguished diplomat was on hand for this difficult time."—Fiona Hill, New York Times bestselling author of There Is Nothing for You Here

“An extraordinary if not unprecedented frontline memoir by one of our nation's most experienced public servants, Midnight in Moscow weaves history, politics, and firsthand accounts into a timeless and valuable portrait of contemporary U.S.-Russia relations. Ambassador Sullivan’s remarkable narrative gives policy makers and casual readers alike a rare glimpse into the makeup and future of one of the planet’s most challenging and critical bilateral relationships.”—Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and China

FASCINATING & Troubling

What an amazing career. Such insights. Re Russia wish more had listened to Sullivan. Excellent book and author narration.

Not so intriguing

John Sullivan has undoubtedly led a very interesting life of service, but he seriously lacks good story telling chops. The book is…boring. Sullivan seems desperate to paint himself as a character in a John Le Carre novel - which he literally was! Unfortunately Sullivan seems like a man who is Republican Party soldier and dry as a bone. Sorry, mate.

Boring Treatment of Mundane Minutia

If you like listening to a person voice over their work calendar, this book is for you.

Midnight in Moscow? Snoozer in Saint Petersburg.

Interesting back story to what was in the news

I enjoyed learning about how the Russians think about the USA. The back story to what was in the news was very interesting.

A look at the relationship between US and Russia by the US Ambassador to Russia during Trump and Biden administrations.

A very thoughtful book about Putin’s Russia, NATO, and Ukraine from the viewpoint of someone who lived in Russia during much of the last decade. As Ambassador hie had the ability to see jailed Americans in Russian prisons.and ascertain their overall health. Could we have done something different to prevent the rise of someone like Putin. He looks at the role of US in the world in regard to isolationism vs participation in the world order. Very informative and an interesting read.

Honest, very thoughttfully written and well-narrated memoir

There is nothing not to like about this memoir. It is fairly straightforward and full of very well thought-out reflections on Russia and the role of the United States in international politics. Of course, it's a perspective, but a welinformed one. Definitely, a recommended read for anyone interested in history and politics.

Informative and Insightful

This is a detailed description of the state of relations with Russia and the current war in Ukraine. I highly recommend this book to anyone, from any political side, who wants to understand the context surrounding the war and how America, and the rest of the world, should respond to it going forward. Sullivan comes across as a highly credible and informed perspective on the situation. As an ambassador appointed by Trump and retained by Biden, his analysis and recommendations cut through the partisanship that so often clouds and distorts our current political discourse.

This Democrat Learned Details Don't Make Job Easy

"The Devil Is In The Details" -- and John Sullivan helped me underhand how detailed and difficult being a Department of State, Deputy Secretary and Ambassador. is. A personal view, with all its frustrations like getting Embassy plumbing accomplished, as well as trying to negotiate with the Russians, made for a fascinating read.

Great book!

I listened to the entire book over a three day period. If you are at all interested in Russia and the current Russia/Ukraine conflict this is a must read/listen, written by someone who has had direct involvement in its evolution.

Excellent read for all Americans

Gives a full unbiased history and understanding of what is going on in Ukraine and Russia