Human rights defender Matviichuk speaks on Brazil’s top talk show about war in Ukraine

Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin launched the war against Ukraine in 2014 not out of fear of NATO, but out of fear of the very idea of freedom.

This was stated by Oleksandra Matviichuk, Ukrainian human rights defender, head of the Center for Civil Liberties, who became one of the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureates

Matviichuk made the remarks on Oct. 7 during Roda Viva, Brazil’s oldest and most popular talk show.

“Russia first invaded Ukraine at a very specific moment, just a few months after millions of Ukrainians had voiced their opposition to a pro-Russian, authoritarian, and corrupt government.”

She added: “They peacefully protested, simply seeking a chance to build a country where everyone’s rights are protected, the government is accountable, the judiciary is independent, and the police do not beat students for peaceful protests.”

She said that Russia violated Ukraine’s borders precisely when Ukrainians had earned the opportunity to achieve genuine democracy after the fall of Pro-Kremlin Viktor Yanukovych’s authoritarian regime.

He subsequently fled to Russia during the EuroMaidan Revolution in the wake of his corrupt rule.

During the interview, Matviichuk also shared her journey documenting human rights abuses during Russia’s war in Ukraine, explained the nature of the invasion, described the horrors of war, and highlighted the importance of international support, sanctions, and holding Russian leaders accountable. Her central message: Ukraine is fighting for its people, for freedom, and for democracy.