The loss of the human dimension in high politics and attempts to negotiate with the Russian aggressor led to a sharp increase in the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine. This was stated by Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2022) and head of the Center for Civil Liberties, Oleksandra Matviichuk, during the 18th Annual Kyiv Security Forum on the theme “Darkness or Dawn: Is There Light Ahead?”
During her speech, Matviichuk presented a joint appeal by female Nobel Peace Prize laureates, prepared specifically for the forum. In the document, the authors openly describe the events as “an aggressive war started by Russia” and warn against ignoring the priority of human life.
“Ironically, the year of negotiations by President Donald Trump became the deadliest year for Ukrainian civilians. According to the UN, the number of civilians killed and injured increased by 35% compared to the previous year. This is a direct consequence of the loss of the human being as a priority in political processes,” the human rights defender said.
The second key message of the appeal is that sustainable peace is impossible without justice. Matviichuk emphasized that documenting war crimes and holding perpetrators accountable is not merely a legal procedure, but “work that paves the way to peace.”
Special attention by the Nobel laureates was given to the role of Ukrainian women in resisting aggression.
“Courage has no gender. Ukrainian women are everywhere today: in the Armed Forces, documenting crimes, leading humanitarian initiatives, and making political decisions. We call for their voices to be heard and for women to be included in all decision-making processes — from reforms to peace negotiations,” Matviichuk said.
She thanked her colleagues for their solidarity and called on the international community to return to value-based politics, where justice is a foundation of security.
Four Nobel Peace Prize laureates took part in the 18th Kyiv Security Forum, which was held in Kyiv on April 23–24.
