Kateryna Ozerianska, LJI Reporter, NP-UN
On December 1, 2024, Toronto’s historic Guildhall at the Old Mill centre became the venue for a significant event—a panel discussion featuring international author-journalists exploring Russia’s war against Ukraine and its global repercussions. Organized by the Peterson Literary Fund and BCU Foundation, with support from the Ucrainica Research Institute, the event gathered an outstanding lineup of experts.
Moderated by Roman Waschuk, Canada’s former Ambassador to Ukraine (2014–2019) and Ukraine’s current Business Ombudsman, the panel included globally renowned authors and journalists who presented in-depth analyses of the war and its implications:
– Luke Harding, senior correspondent for The Guardian, highlighted the scale of Russian war crimes, focusing on the atrocities in Bucha, Mariupol, and other regions. He also discussed global challenges posed by Russian propaganda.
– Askold Krushelnycky, a British journalist, emphasized the historical context of the war, mainly how Ukraine’s experience during the Orange Revolution prepared its people for resistance.
– John Sweeney, author of the bestseller “Killer in the Kremlin,” delved into Vladimir Putin’s role in initiating the war, drawing comparisons to 20th-century dictators.
– Yaroslav Trofimov, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and senior foreign-affairs correspondent with the Wall Street Journal, analyzed the international response to the war, focusing on U.S., EU, and Chinese policies. He stressed the importance of unified global support for Ukraine needed to ensure a peaceful resolution.
– Mikhail Zygar, an exiled Russian journalist, shed light on internal resistance in Russia and the crucial role of independent media in challenging Putin’s regime.
Lesia Shymko, Roman Waschuk, Luke Harding, Mikhail Zygar
The panel also featured special remarks by Lt. General (Ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe. General Hodges emphasized the need to strengthen military aid to Ukraine, asserting that defending Ukraine is equivalent to defending global democratic values.
Lesia Shymko, a Canadian political scientist and community leader, played a key role in organizing the December 1, 2024, panel discussion in Toronto. As the Chair of the Peterson Literary Fund jury, she was instrumental in shaping the event’s program and bringing together renowned speakers. With a long history of advocacy for Ukraine, including leading the “Angels of Ukraine” project for veteran rehabilitation under NATO’s Medical Rehabilitation Trust Fund, Shymko’s contributions ensured the event highlighted critical perspectives on Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The discussion addressed key issues, such as:
- The global power dynamics reshaped by Russia’s aggression.
- Whether international military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine is sufficient.
- Strategies to combat the spread of Russian propaganda.
Panelists agreed that Russia’s war on Ukraine poses a challenge to the democratic world. They underscored the importance of documenting war crimes to ensure justice in the future and highlighted Ukraine’s resilience in the face of such adversity.
Beyond the insightful discussion, attendees could purchase books by the featured authors, engage with them, and delve deeper into pressing global issues. The event attracted a diverse audience, including members of the Ukrainian diaspora, scholars, journalists, and activists, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and solidarity.
The organizers emphasized that events like this are crucial in spreading the truth about the war and building international support for Ukraine. The Ucrainica Research Institute, which has been working for half a century to support Canada’s Ukrainian community, has consistently provided valuable resources to enhance community initiatives and promote a more profound understanding of global issues by monitoring and analyzing developments affecting Ukrainians in Canada and worldwide. This collaboration underscores the event's broader mission to engage the public in meaningful discussions about the global ramifications of Russia's war on Ukraine.
For more information about the Ucrainica Research Institute and its initiatives, visit http://www.ucrainica.ca
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