Ukrainian Peace Advocate Warns Against Amnesty for War Crimes in Negotiations with Russia

Oleksandra Matviichuk, Ukraine's sole Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has voiced critical concerns regarding any peace agreements between Russia and Ukraine that might imply amnesty for war crimes. She argues that such concessions could embolden other authoritarian regimes to act similarly towards their neighbors. Matviichuk leads the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties, an organization that was jointly awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for its work against Russian aggression. In light of a leaked 28-point US-Russia plan for peace, Matviichuk believes the proposal fails to adequately address the human consequences of the ongoing conflict. Supporting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's attempts to renegotiate the terms, she remarked, 'We need a peace, but not a pause that allows Russia an opportunity to regroup.' A durable resolution, she insists, must involve NATO-like security guarantees for Ukraine. The tensions are heightened when discussing a particularly controversial clause from the original US-Russia negotiation plan, which suggested that all parties would receive full amnesty for their actions during the war. Matviichuk condemned this as damaging to international law and a potential catalyst for other authoritarian leaders to pursue aggressive military campaigns, asserting, 'It would ruin international law and set a precedent.' Thankfully, this specific clause has been omitted from Ukraine's 19-point counterproposal, but negotiations are still ongoing, with fear that the US might pressure Ukraine into concessions unfavorable to its sovereignty. Matviichuk and many Ukrainians express deep reluctance to consider territorial concession, especially given the nearly four years of unyielding conflict characterized by relentless Russian assaults, frequent power outages, and the emergence of genocidal rhetoric from Moscow. She emphasizes that Putin's ambitions extend far beyond territorial gains; rather, they are rooted in the desire to subjugate Ukraine as a nation. Moreover, she argues that a peace agreement must also consider the rights of approximately 6 million Ukrainians who are currently living in Russian-occupied territories, which are rife with reports of torture, rape, and forced disappearances. Matviichuk lamented that these concerns were glaringly absent from the 28-point proposal, which only vaguely addresses the conditions of Ukrainians under occupation. Looking ahead, Ukrainian lawmakers have echoed Matviichuk's sentiments. Inna Sovsun, an opposition MP, expressed that conceding significant regions like Donetsk would only serve as a precursor for further Russian aggression, reflecting the shared determination among Ukrainian leaders not to surrender without a fight. Halyna Yanchenko, an independent MP, emphasized the unwavering desire for peace among Ukrainians, but caution says they understand the implications of accepting terms dictated by Russia. As diplomatic talks continue, the Ukrainian government persistently tries to outline its position and ensure that the voice of the Ukrainian people is not overshadowed or dismissed in favor of appeasement. The fear among government officials remains that if Russia's demands are accepted, it would undermine hard-won diplomatic efforts and embolden Moscow to continue its campaign of aggression. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2