Oundle Festival of Literature: Colin Freeman – The Mad and The Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine’s Foreign Legion

Foreign correspondent and author Colin Freeman spent the last three years covering the conflict in Ukraine. He was present during the siege of Kyiv, and narrowly escaped being killed during a missile strike in eastern Ukraine in 2023.

His latest book, ‘THE MAD & THE BRAVE – The Untold Story of Ukraine’s Foreign Legion‘ tells the story of the British and American military volunteers serving with Ukraine’s International Legion.

Three days after Russian tanks roll into Ukraine, President Volodymr Zelensky issues a desperate appeal for foreign military volunteers to help defend his country. Thousands answer the call from all over the world: some of them experienced soldiers, others novices who’ve never held a gun before.

Among their ranks are high-minded idealists, adventure-seekers bored with civilian life, and ex-criminals seeking redemption – all risking their lives against the world’s most vicious superpower. Some flee at the first sign of trouble, others become heroes; many are killed, and a few turn their guns on each other.

This is their story – often terrifying, often tragic, sometimes comic, and sometimes glorious…

Refreshments will be available in the bar area of the venue.

Queen Victoria Hall is wheelchair accessible through the side gate entrance and has disabled facilities onsite.

Doors open at 7pm. Seats are not allocated for this event.