by Mark Galeotti.
Softcover (7.25×9.75 inches). 96 pages. 2026.
Subtitle: Undeclared and Uncivil War in Ukraine
The disjointed effort of various warlords to keep their independent fiefdoms in the DonBas region of eastern Ukraine suited Putin’s plan of keeping the region destabilized. The ultimate goal was to create a puppet government in Ukraine subordinate to Putin. As the Ukrainian armed forces and warlords began to pressure the DonBas warlords, Russian military assistance escalated — as did the atrocities.
Eventually, the Russians supplied troops along with the weaponry. That escalated into a full invasion. The expected swift overrun has lasted about four and a half years at this point in time as Western democracies send money, guns, and lawyers to help the Ukrainians maintain their independence.
But DonBas is mostly a story of ad-hoc units of criminal origins fighting over fiefdoms. The weaponry and hodge podge lodge of units receive ample descriptions. The battles between Ukrainian Army, security, and ad-hoc local units against the DonBas units provide a sense of chaos within the region. Small mini-unit profiles dot the booklet — plenty to choose from for skirmish and small-scale gaming.
The booklet contains one black and white photo, one black and white illustration, 65 color photos, six color maps, three color two-page action illustrations, and two color 3D maps.
I certainly forgot about a lot of the historical events that preceded the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, but this Campaign booklet reminded me.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
