Ukrainians won the Dissident Human Rights Award in the United States

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska accepted the Dissident Human Rights Award at the Memorial for the Victims of Communism in Washington DC. The first lady accepted on behalf of the people of Ukraine.

“Although the memorial is dedicated to the victims of the atrocities of Communism, it is worth remembering that this is only one face of totalitarianism. The system that attacks you may be called whatever you want – Islamic State or Russian Federation – but we easily recognize totalitarianism for its main characteristic – aggression, violence, complete annihilation of human life” stated Ms Zelenska.

The first ice lady also told attendees about how Russia is using repression in Ukraine. “How Ukrainians go through filtration tribunals, and how those who do not agree to cooperate with the occupants are executed. Our people are deported to Russia by force.”

Since 2015, the prize has been awarded to activists and dissidents of forced labor for their courage in standing up for human rights and freedom.