Mazepa. The Right to the Sword

Ivan Mazepa is a prominent Cossack figure whose image has captivated people's imaginations for centuries. His figure is shrouded in legends and controversies, and his name is known not only in Ukraine but also far beyond its borders. He inspired such European giants as Voltaire, Hugo, Liszt, and Byron. During Mazepa's lifetime, the Moscow Tsar unleashed a fierce information war against him, which continues to this day. Who is he really? A hero who fought for the freedom of Ukraine? A traitor who abandoned his country to the enemy? Or a romantic lover whose life is full of passion and tragedy?

This book is an attempt to take a fresh look at Ivan Mazepa, to explore his role in European history, to understand the motives behind his actions, and to uncover the secrets of his turbulent life.