Remarks at Ukraine House Women’s History Month Event

Thank you to the Ukrainian Embassy and Ukraine House for holding this event today. I’m honored to be among you, to learn from your experiences in this painful period of Ukraine’s history and to offer my congratulations on your incredible achievements notwithstanding Russia’s assault on your territory, communities, and families.

There is no denying the brutality of Putin’s war in Ukraine or its devastating impacts on civilians, especially on women and girls. To take just one example, there have been many verified reports of brutal acts of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, perpetrated by Russian forces. The widespread and systematic nature of these crimes were an important factor leading to Secretary Blinken’s determination in February 2023 that members of Russia’s forces and Russian officials have committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine. According to the most recent UN Commission of Inquiry report, such crimes continue to deserve our urgent attention.

But while I am painfully aware of the magnitude of these crimes and the suffering they have caused, being here today brings to mind an inspiring poem by the famous Ukrainian writer, Lesia Ukrainka. It is called “Vain Tears.” It begins by describing Ukraine’s “ancient misery” and the agony of waiting for freedom. In the end, she writes:

What use are such despondent moods?

For turning backwards ‘tis too late.

Much rather let us set to work

And strive a future to create.

I wanted to read this poem because for me, it exemplifies the spirit of Ukraine’s women. I know at times you’ve been despondent, and I don’t doubt how you’ve mourned. But from day one of Russia’s appalling aggression against your country, going back even before 2022, you’ve been at the forefront of efforts to hold those responsible for your suffering to account. You’ve braved relentless trauma, separation from your homes and loved ones, and the constant risk of death to document the crimes committed by members of Russian forces and other officials and ensure that the world does not look away. You actively “set to work,” as Lesia would say, striving to create a future in which peace and justice prevail. This is what I want to recognize above all.

As the United States’ Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, I also want to note that your perspectives, experiences, and participation truly matter. They’re necessary to promote trust in, and enhance the legitimacy of, any formal justice and accountability processes. The meaningful involvement of diverse women and incorporation of their views will also advance access to justice; contribute to the instantiation of rule of law; and ensure that justice processes are inclusive and fully representative of the wider society. This is at the very heart of the Women, Peace & Security agenda.

And finally, I want to reiterate that the United States stands with you in this work and will continue to do so. I often speak about our efforts in terms of five pathways to justice for Ukraine, which we see as complementary and mutually reinforcing. The first and most critical is Ukraine’s own domestic system, which must be the main engine of justice. We are committed to assisting Ukraine’s institutions as they work to build capacity for atrocity crimes investigations, ensure victim-centered justice, and provide long-term assistance to survivors. We are also working to support international institutions and investigations (including the ICC and the Register of Damage); enable strategic litigation in courts around the world; shore up our ability to prosecute perpetrators here in the United States; and advance efforts to investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

But of course, meaningful justice must go beyond criminal accountability. Prosecutions can take many years and given the sheer scale of atrocities and trauma in Ukraine, not all victims who want it will get their day in court. Ukrainians deserve more – inclusive reparative justice measures, long-term medical and psychosocial assistance, opportunities to engage in truth-telling and memorialization, and continued institutional reform that will enable Ukraine’s secure, democratic, and European future. Women will be pivotal in ensuring that justice processes are inclusive, and that they recognize and reflect the diverse needs and experiences of all Ukrainians.

Even as we acknowledge the indelible harms caused by Russia’s war of aggression, the women in this room speak to the bravery and resilience of the people of Ukraine. The United States will remain your steadfast partner as you continue to work for justice and strive for a bright future for your country. Thank you again for inspiring us all. Slava Ukraini.