Perdue’s Message: Restoring Peace in Ukraine While Safeguarding Freedom
A year and a half after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, there is still no end in sight. The recent order by U.S. President Joe Biden to share evidence of Russian war crimes with the international court reveals the widespread atrocities being committed and highlights the world’s commitment to restoring peace and seeking justice for Ukraine. However, Ukraine and its Western allies need to be strategic in their approach and not pull out too abruptly, as it could undo much of the progress made in defending the lives and existence of the Ukrainian people. A recent visit to Ukraine revealed the restriction and danger embedded in Russian-occupied life, with individuals at risk of detention, beatings, and disappearance simply for being Ukrainian citizens. The Russian occupation has resulted in nearly 80,000 registered war crimes, including murder, torture, sexual violence, and looting. Over 1.6 million Ukrainians have been deported or forcibly displaced, and even children have been subjected to forcible deportation. Initiatives such as Ukraine’s Reckoning Project aim to use storytelling and legal accountability to fight for justice and restore truth in the face of Russia’s invasion. Ultimately, the war in Ukraine must end strategically to prevent further harm to the Ukrainian people, and peace that allows Russia to continue occupying Ukrainian territory is not true peace but a different form of war.
