Viadrina invites you: Exciting events for young and old!

Viadrina invites you: Exciting events for young and old!

Today, March 9, 2025, the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) is highlighting various events that deal with current social and political issues. Particularly noteworthy is the upcoming press conference with the Ukrainian journalist and activist Maksym Butkevych and the variety of workshops and lectures in the university program.

On Wednesday, March 5, at 4:30 p.m. at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences, Butkevych will speak about his dramatic experiences as a soldier and prisoner of war. The event is already fully booked and journalists have the opportunity to ask questions. Registration was done via email to kiu-communications@europa-uni.de. This press conference takes place directly after the children's university, where young participants learn more about the topic "Where does electricity actually come from?" can experience.

Insights into Butkevy's experiences

Maksym Butkevych, who served as a soldier after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has had a particularly moving journey. Originally known as a pacifist, he joined the Ukrainian army and soon became a commander. He was captured in the summer of 2022 when his unit was surrounded. Butkevych describes how he was lured into a trap after lines of communication were severed. During his more than two years in captivity, he experienced torture and was forced to recite from Vladimir Putin's speech, with threats of corporal punishment for mistakes.

The Japanese human rights organization is concerned about the serious human rights violations that took place in the context of the war. The International Criminal Court and other organizations document these very violations, ranging from torture to arbitrary executions. According to the accepted legal opinion, human rights also apply in war, but this principle is often disregarded in the current situation. This highlights the urgency of international support and the need to hold perpetrators accountable. The International Criminal Court is currently investigating war crimes in Ukraine.

Issues of humanity and the future

Butkevych stressed after his liberation in October 2022 that respect for human rights was of utmost importance. He argues that Ukraine should be open to investment, but only under the condition that human and labor rights are respected. The clash between authoritarianism and the pursuit of social justice is in focus in Ukraine, with a growing popular demand for social justice.

The tragic events that have occurred since the war began on February 24, 2022 have shocked the country. The war of aggression has led to massive human rights violations and destruction. It is crucial that the international community not only remains vigilant but also acts actively to improve the situation in Ukraine, particularly with regard to supporting victims.

Germany, Poland and Moldova have already provided extensive aid to refugees from Ukraine. This support remains essential to maintain solidarity and address the humanitarian needs of those affected. Protecting human rights is a moral duty of all states that must address war crimes and the draconian consequences of such conflict.

It is in this sense that Butkevych's call can be understood: to overcome the current crisis, international support is necessary, both in terms of financial assistance and political dialogue. Otherwise, Ukraine could lose not only militarily but also morally in the debate about its future.

The events at the European University Viadrina are not only a platform for current discussions, but also an important step towards educating and raising public awareness of what is happening in Ukraine. Hopefully, voices like Butkevych's will be heard and spark a broader discussion about human rights and the future of Ukraine.