Inside Moscow as war broke out
Join us for cocktails and conversation with Ambassador John J. Sullivan— an exclusive evening of insight and engagement.
Why this evening is special
Join us for an exclusive evening with the Ambassador who was in Russia as the Ukraine invasion began. Hear firsthand insights into diplomacy, danger, and decisions that shaped history. Enjoy cocktails, conversation, and a chance to ask questions and get your book signed—all in an intimate setting. Moderated by Ward Johnson, Managing Partner of Mayer Brown’s Northern California offices.
The Night the War Began
For weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ambassador John J. Sullivan, former US Ambassador to the Russian Federation, was sounding the alarm that the region was on the brink of war. When troops finally crossed the border, he was woken in the middle of the night with a prearranged code that signaled a crisis even more bracing than the February cold. Immediately, Ambassador Sullivan needed to collect his bodyguards and get to the embassy. The war had begun, and the world would never be the same.
A Gripping Memoir from the Front Lines
Please join us for a special evening celebrating Ambassador Sullivan's gripping memoir, Midnight in Moscow: A Memoir from the Front Lines of Russia’s War Against the West, his behind-the-scenes account of a pivotal period in international relations—and a playbook for understanding the unfolding global confrontation.
Award-Winning Insight
Midnight in Moscow provides an insider’s story of the tense diplomatic negotiations and strategic decisions happening in the midst of an invasion, with lasting global impacts. This book has won the Fletcher School's sixth annual US-Russia relations book prize.
An Exclusive Conversation
The event will feature a discussion with Ambassador Sullivan moderated by Ward Johnson, Managing Partner of Mayer Brown's Northern California offices, followed by a book signing. This is an exclusive and intimate opportunity to engage with the author directly and gain deeper insight into how a former diplomat grapples with the current and future challenges of the US-Russia relationship.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
5:30 p.m. Arrival and Cocktails
6:00 p.m. Book Discussion and Q&A
7:00 p.m. Reception and Book Signing
Location
Mayer Brown - Reception Suite
Five Palo Alto Square - Suite 125
3000 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306
For additional information, please contact Jonathan Tsang at jtsang2@mayerbrown.com.
