Zakhar Prilepin – Coordinate Z. A gift book in a leather binding

Zakhar Prilepin – Coordinate Z. A gift book in a leather binding.

“Coordinate Z” is a large‑scale collection of political journalism and historical essays devoted to the prerequisites and development of the armed conflict in Ukraine. The book brings together scattered notes, essays, and materials from the author’s program “Lessons of Russian,” systematized into a single chronological narrative. The writer draws on his personal combat experience and deep knowledge of the situation from the inside, providing a detailed account of the events in Donbas since 2014. The author argues that the inevitability of this conflict was obvious years before it began, and he systematically examines the geopolitical causes of the crisis. A significant portion of the text is devoted to reflections on the formation of the Ukrainian nation and a critical analysis of the historical decisions made by the Soviet leadership. Through the lens of his personal perception, Prilepin emotionally talks about fallen friends and key figures in this confrontation, including Darya Dugina and Sergei Puskepalis. The central image of the work is a composite portrait of the Russian soldier, who has been defending his land for centuries. The narrative is delivered in a harsh, emotional, and yet accessible language that combines pathos with a biting assessment of the public reaction. Ultimately, the book serves as a kind of guide to modern history for those who are trying to make sense of the large‑scale changes in the country and the world.