In Conversation Confronting Russian Impunity
November 21, 2026 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
IN CONVERSATION
CONFRONTING RUSSIAN IMPUNITY
War Crimes, Human Rights Violations, and Predatory Recruitment
Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Join us for a timely conversation with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk along with Professor Dmytro Koval of Truth Hounds, moderated by international human rights lawyer James Goldston of Open Society. The discussion will address Russia’s war crimes, human rights violations, and predatory recruitment of foreign fighters, and the challenges of securing accountability under international law.
The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A and reception. Advance registration is requested.
$25 General Admission
$20 UIA Annual Friend
$15 UIA Member
TICKETS
Russia’s war against Ukraine has brought into sharp focus the challenges of holding perpetrators of war crimes and human rights violations accountable. Among the troubling dimensions of Russia’s conduct is its predatory recruitment of foreign nationals to fight in Ukraine, often through deception, coercion, and exploitation. These practices, together with the broader pattern of crimes committed during the war, raise urgent questions about the reach and effectiveness of international law.
The Ukrainian Institute of America welcomes Oleksandra Matviichuk, Ukrainian human rights lawyer and Chair of the Center for Civil Liberties, recipient of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, and Professor Dmytro Koval, Co-Executive Director of Truth Hounds and Associate Professor of International and European Law at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, for a discussion moderated by James Goldston, Executive Director of the Open Society Justice Initiative.
Drawing on a recent report published by Truth Hounds and its partners, Dmytro Koval will examine Russia’s recruitment of foreign fighters across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He will explore the legal complexities surrounding these practices, including questions of mercenarism, human trafficking, and the responsibilities of those involved in recruiting and deploying foreign nationals.
Oleksandra Matviichuk will bring her perspective on documenting Russia’s war crimes and human rights violations, advocating for victims, and pursuing accountability through international legal mechanisms. Her work raises fundamental questions about the capacity of the international justice system to respond to atrocities and prevent future crimes.
Together, the speakers will explore the challenges of confronting Russia’s impunity and securing justice for its victims.
About Truth Hounds
Since 2014, Truth Hounds has documented and investigated international crimes and serious human rights violations committed during armed conflicts in Ukraine and other regions of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The organization works to secure justice for victims and prevent future violations. Truth Hounds received the Andrei Sakharov Freedom Award in 2023.
About the Center for Civil Liberties
Founded in Kyiv in 2007, the Center for Civil Liberties is a leading Ukrainian human rights organization dedicated to protecting fundamental freedoms, strengthening democracy, and advancing the rule of law. Since 2014, it has documented war crimes and human rights violations committed during Russia’s war against Ukraine and advocated for justice and accountability. The organization was awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its work defending human rights, democracy, and peaceful coexistence.
About Open Society Justice Initiative
The Open Society Justice Initiative, part of the Open Society Foundations, pursues strategic litigation, advocacy, and other legal initiatives to advance human rights, accountability, and the rule of law worldwide.