South SFV Today

At a lecture hosted by Stanford University's Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law, Oleksandra Matviichuk emphasized the critical need for Western allies to provide immediate support to Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. Matviichuk highlighted the global implications of a potential defeat in Ukraine, stating, "A new international architecture of peace and security is required."

Matviichuk, a prominent human rights lawyer and activist, underscored the importance of external assistance for Ukraine, stating, "It’s very simple. We will survive. Because when the United States and other countries start to provide Ukraine with weapons, it gives us a chance to push Russian troops out."

Describing the harrowing conditions in Ukraine due to Russian military actions, Matviichuk detailed the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the violation of human rights, including forcible displacements and cultural suppression. She also emphasized the urgent need to document war crimes and hold perpetrators accountable, as she co-founded the "Tribunal for Putin" initiative to address these atrocities.

Matviichuk warned of the growing axis of authoritarianism involving Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, expressing concerns about the lack of consequences for Russia's aggressive actions. She stressed the importance of halting Russian aggression in Ukraine to prevent further expansion, stating, "If we don’t stop Putin in Ukraine, he will go further. And we have no time."

In conclusion, Matviichuk highlighted the turbulent state of global affairs and the urgent need for proactive measures to address escalating conflicts worldwide. She warned that failing to intervene in the Ukrainian crisis could have far-reaching consequences, remarking, "The world has entered a period of turbulence, and now fires will occur more and more often in different parts of the world because the international wiring is faulty and the sparks are everywhere."

The plea for Western assistance in Ukraine comes at a critical juncture, with Matviichuk's impassioned call for support serving as a stark reminder of the pressing need to act decisively to avert a larger global crisis.