Midnight in Moscow

John Joseph Sullivan's "Midnight in Moscow" offers a penetrating look into one of the most consequential diplomatic postings in recent American history. Serving as the United States Ambassador to Russia from January 2020 to September 2022, Sullivan occupied a front-row seat to the dramatic deterioration of U.S.-Russia relations, culminating in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. His memoir provides an insider's perspective on the challenges of maintaining diplomatic relations with an increasingly hostile power during a period of unprecedented tension.

Sullivan arrived in Moscow as a career diplomat with extensive government experience, having previously served as Deputy Secretary of State under President Trump. His appointment came at a particularly delicate moment, as relations between Washington and Moscow were already strained by election interference allegations, sanctions, and fundamental disagreements over international norms. The memoir details the day-to-day realities of representing American interests in a country that viewed the United States not as a partner but as an adversary actively working to undermine Russian security and influence.

The book's title references the author's experience of operating in an environment where transparency was scarce and information carefully controlled. Sullivan describes the difficulties of conducting traditional diplomacy when the host government increasingly viewed his embassy's activities with suspicion and hostility. The memoir documents the progressive isolation of American diplomatic personnel, the restrictions placed on their movements, and the constant challenges to their ability to perform standard diplomatic functions.

A significant portion of the narrative focuses on the lead-up to Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Sullivan provides detailed accounts of the intelligence warnings American officials received and their attempts to communicate with Russian counterparts about the gathering military buildup. The memoir offers insight into the frustrating reality of diplomatic engagement when one party has already determined its course of action. These chapters illuminate the limitations of traditional diplomacy in preventing conflict when fundamental disagreements over security architecture and national sovereignty prove unbridgeable.

The author does not shy away from describing the personal toll of serving in such a high-pressure environment. The memoir touches on the challenges faced by embassy staff and their families, who found themselves representing their country in an increasingly hostile setting. Sullivan recounts the difficult decisions regarding embassy operations, staff safety, and the maintenance of American presence even as the bilateral relationship collapsed. These passages provide valuable context for understanding the human dimension of diplomatic service during times of crisis.

Sullivan's account also explores the broader geopolitical context shaping U.S.-Russia relations. The memoir examines Russian grievances about NATO expansion, disagreements over European security arrangements, and Moscow's desire to reassert influence over its neighbors. While presenting these perspectives, Sullivan maintains his assessment that Russia's actions, particularly the invasion of Ukraine, violated fundamental principles of international law and sovereignty. The book serves as a testament to the difficulties of bridging genuinely opposed worldviews through diplomatic channels.

The memoir's strengths lie in its detailed recounting of specific events and interactions. Sullivan had access to high-level meetings and communications that few others witnessed, and his account benefits from this privileged vantage point. The book provides concrete examples of how policy decisions were made, how intelligence was assessed, and how diplomatic messaging was crafted during a critical period. These details make the memoir valuable for anyone seeking to understand how American foreign policy operated during this turbulent chapter.

As a historical document, the book contributes to the growing body of literature examining the breakdown of the post-Cold War international order. Sullivan's experiences illustrate the challenges facing diplomats when dealing with a major power that fundamentally rejects key aspects of the existing international system. The memoir raises important questions about the utility of engagement versus containment, the effectiveness of sanctions and other pressure tools, and the future of great power competition.

"Midnight in Moscow" serves as both a personal memoir and a professional account of American diplomacy at a critical juncture. Sullivan's position provided him with unique insights into Russian decision-making and the American response to Russian aggression. The result is a substantive contribution to understanding a pivotal moment in international relations, told from the perspective of someone who witnessed it unfold firsthand. The memoir will interest readers seeking detailed information about U.S.-Russia relations during this period and those curious about the realities of diplomatic service in hostile environments.