May 11, 2022

The Fighters of Azov


The Fighters of Azov

“Surrender is not an option.”

–  Ilya Samoilenko, Ukrainian officer in the defense of Azov.

Since the start of the war on February 24, Russia has had its eye on the Ukrainian port city Mariupol. Housed within the city is the Azovstal steel mill. Many civilians have been hiding out in the mill, but now reports are that all civilians have been evacuated.

The last stand of Mariupol is taking place at Azovstal, and the mill has been turned into a fortress by Azov soldiers and Marines of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Russians are bombing the plant daily. Samoilenko reports that there is still food, water, ammunition and weapons, but that they are unable to use artillery and they have not received any resupply. 

While Samoilenko is happy that over 1,000 civilians have been evacuated from Mariupol, he said he mourns the loss of the nearly 25,000 persons killed in the city since the start of the war.

You Might Also Like

Annihilating Mariupol: When is it a War Crime?
  • March 31, 2022

Annihilating Mariupol: When is it a War Crime?

At least eighty percent of Mariupol has been destroyed or damaged. An account of what has happened in the city through the eyes of two refugees – Alla, 87 years old, and Denis Hulai, 24 – both of whom managed to escape with their families.
Zelensky Returns
  • May 09, 2022

Zelensky Returns

After six weeks away, Ukrainian president Vladimir Zelensky made an appearance at Kiev's parliament.
A Hard Talk to Have
  • April 13, 2022

A Hard Talk to Have

“Direct, open, and hard.” – Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer describing his talk with Putin
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955