Human rights lawyer discusses justice, EU role, and reconstruction needs for Ukraine against Russian occupation.
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Oleksandra Matviichuk, a human rights lawyer and director of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Center for Civil Liberties, discussed justice, the EU’s role, life under Russian occupation, and the centrality of people in Ukraine’s reconstruction. She stressed that recovery must begin now, focusing on supporting people, businesses, and addressing environmental damage, rather than waiting until after the war. Matviichuk advocates for a special tribunal for aggression because existing international bodies cannot prosecute leaders like Putin for initiating war. Regarding the EU, she urged action to utilize frozen Russian state assets for Ukrainian reconstruction and victim compensation. She described occupation not merely as changing flags but as encompassing forced disappearances, rape, illegal detention, and mass graves, using the example of a murdered children’s author. Concerning Ukrainians who “collaborate,” she noted that while survival may necessitate compliance with occupying forces, those actively contributing to the occupation through crimes must be held accountable under Ukrainian law. She remains motivated by a sense of responsibility to ensure documented atrocities lead to justice and human dignity.
