Ukraine lawyers in their own words

For her latest blog post, International Bar Association (IBA) President Almudena Arpón de Mendívil Aldama invited law colleagues in Ukraine to speak directly of their experiences as they continue to carry out their professional duties amidst the ongoing war. Ms de Mendívil praised their courage.

On the anniversary of Russia’s 24 February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the five short videos are particularly poignant. The lawyers relaying their realities in their own words are shared here on the IBA website: Walking the Talk: Our brave Ukraine colleagues. The below listed speakers, some still in Ukraine and others who have relocated elsewhere, talk of being resistant, resilient and resolute, of the challenges and uncertainty they face, continuous missile and drone attacks, air raid alarms, volunteering, closing deals, pro bono work and of justice prevailing and peace.

• Daniel Bilak, Chairman of Kinstellar's practice in Ukraine;
• Nazar Chernyavsky, Chief Executive Officer of Sayenko Kharenko law firm;
• Tatyana Slipachuk, Special Advisor of Sayenko Kharenko law firm;
• Volodomyr Yakubovskyy, Partner at Nobles law firm; and
• Galyna Zagorodniuk, partner in Kinstellar's Kyiv office.

Ms de Mendívil Aldama commented earlier today: ‘We have witnessed a flagrant breach of the law for a year now. We are experiencing a great threat to democracy and justice. The international legal community, with the IBA acting as its common voice, has reacted not only by supporting Ukraine on all possible legal fronts, but also by reaffirming the fundamental values of our profession. I wish to use this anniversary to signal that the IBA will make every possible effort to ensure there will be legal accountability, including individual criminal liability. Finally, I express again today my solidarity and admiration for our Ukraine colleagues who continue performing their duties before their clients and their country in the worst circumstances.’

ENDS