Sarah Topol Wins 2025 Michael Kelly Award for The New York Times Magazine Feature on "The Deserter" From the Russian Army
Briefly

Sarah Topol Wins 2025 Michael Kelly Award for The New York Times Magazine Feature on "The Deserter" From the Russian Army
"Now more than ever, we must continue to be critical, to question accepted narratives, to be brave, and to seek a greater understanding of this chaotic and dangerous time, even at personal risk. I can only continue to aspire to do so in such beautiful, sharp, original and incisive sentences as Kelly did."
"has the propulsive power of a novel, offering readers a uniquely intimate look at the Russian military, its history, its corruption, and the horrific demands placed on soldiers."
"Presented by The Atlantic, the Michael Kelly Award honors journalists whose work exemplifies "the fearless pursuit and expression of truth," which defined Michael Kelly's own life and career."
Sarah Topol received the 22nd Michael Kelly Award for a five-part, 35,000-word feature about a combat officer who deserted the Russian army and defected to the West with his wife, based on reporting that included interviews with 18 other Russian defectors. The judges praised the painstaking reporting and textured writing, saying the narrative has the propulsive power of a novel and provides an intimate look at the Russian military, its history, corruption, and the horrific demands placed on soldiers. The award was announced at the Atlantic Festival in New York City and carries a $25,000 prize.
Read at The Atlantic
Unable to calculate read time
[
|
]