The Vassar Alliance for Ukraine, in collaboration with the Institute for Liberal Arts and the Vassar Alliance for Foreign Affairs, hosted a comprehensive event examining international legal frameworks and advocacy efforts surrounding the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.
Ukrainian students opened the event with a historical overview of Russian-Ukrainian peace negotiations dating back to 2014, followed by a solemn commemoration of the Holodomor. The introduction culminated with video remarks from Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Center for Civil Liberties (2022 Nobel Peace Prize recipient) and prominent Ukrainian human rights lawyer, who emphasized the critical importance of holding Russia accountable for war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict.
The event featured two expert panels addressing different dimensions of international response to the war. The discussions provided attendees with comprehensive insights into both legal mechanisms and grassroots advocacy efforts.
International Humanitarian Law and War Crimes Prosecution
The first panel explored the frameworks of international humanitarian law and the mechanisms for prosecuting war crimes, offering both historical context and contemporary legal perspectives.
Michaela Pohl – Vassar Professor of History
Vitalina Shevchenko – Ukrainian Youth Delegate to the UN, Young European Ambassador
Mariya Nikolova – Vassar ’07, Associate Legal Advisor at International Tribunal
Diaspora Advocacy for Peace
The second panel provided powerful firsthand accounts of diaspora advocacy work, with panelists sharing their experiences mobilizing international support for Ukraine and navigating the complexities of global diplomatic engagement.
Marianna Tretiak – UGS Board Member
Aleksandr Krapivkin – Associate Director of Community Engagement at Nova Ukraine
Vitalina Shevchenko – Ukrainian Youth Delegate to the UN, Young European Ambassador
Co-moderated by Karolina Naidon (UGS ’21, Vassar ’26)
During the intermission, attendees experienced Ukrainian cultural heritage through a Petrikivka art exhibition by artist Vitalia Deriabina. The traditional Ukrainian decorative painting style, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, provided a visual celebration of Ukrainian identity and resilience. The Vassar student ensemble Mahagonny complemented the exhibition with performances of Ukrainian musical pieces, creating a meaningful connection between academic discourse and cultural expression.
Event organized by Karolina Naidon (UGS ’21, Vassar ’26) with members of the Vassar Alliance for Ukraine, demonstrating the continued commitment of UGS scholars to advancing dialogue on critical global issues.
