Oleksandra Matviichuk: Democracy under Fire

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is not only an attack on a sovereign country – it is an assault on the core values of our democratic order. In this historic test, one thing becomes clear: democracy is not a given; it must be defended every day.

In the first part of the event, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk and journalist Sabine Adler will discuss justice in war, courage, morality, and the unshakable strength of civil society — a society that stands up for justice even in the darkest of times. Oleksandra Matviichuk will share first-hand insights from her harrowing yet hopeful work. In the subsequent panel with lawyer Michael Meyer-Resende and former politician Rebecca Harms, the discussion moderated by Ukraine expert Mattia Nelles will turn to the question of whether democracy remains real in Ukraine despite war and the state of emergency. Does it still matter to Ukrainians? What might a post-war democracy look like? And can the rest of Europe learn from this experience?

The evening will conclude with an opportunity for informal conversation and further discussion over drinks and light refreshments.