The book of Mauno Koivisto, President of Finland in 1982-1994, one of the most respected politicians of our time, is dedicated to the historical fate of Russia. Knowing perfectly well foreign and Russian scientific and memoir literature, possessing vast personal experience in communicating with the leaders of the USSR and Russia, the author shares his thoughts with the reader. Of great interest is his assessment of the role of Russia in the context of world, and above all European, development. The author gives his answer to the eternal question of whether Russia belongs to the West or the East, what are the prospects for Russia in the near future. Koivisto invites the Russian reader to look at many of the seemingly well-known plots of our history from an unusual "Finnish point of view." The book is addressed to the general reader. It will be especially interesting for historians, political scientists, specialists in the field of foreign policy and international relations.