The discussion marked the opening of “Imagine: Reflections on Peace,” a multimedia exhibit hosted by USIP and The VII Foundation that explores the themes and challenges of peacebuilding through an immersive look at the societies that suffered — and survived — violent conflict.

Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is by far the most documented conflict of the 21st century. As the conflict has unfolded, the world has been inundated with photos, videos, satellite images and witness testimony of crimes committed during the invasion and subsequent battle over Ukrainian territory. Journalists have been at the forefront of exposing atrocities committed in Ukraine and capturing the testimony of survivors, often building on the work of Ukrainian citizens and civil society groups. Their work stands to strengthen the ability of investigators and prosecutors to pursue accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims.

On June 1, USIP held a discussion with NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd and USIP’s Ambassador William B. Taylor on the role that journalists have played in relation to accountability for atrocities committed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The discussion considered journalists’ efforts to expose these crimes, the ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, and the challenges facing policymakers in ensuring that justice is delivered to victims. 

Take part in the conversation on Twitter with #UkraineUSIP.

Speakers

Ambassador George E. Moose, welcome remarks
Chair, Board of Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace

Ambassador William B. Taylor 
Vice President, Russia and Europe, U.S. Institute of Peace; Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine

Chuck Todd 
Political Director, Moderator of "Meet the Press"; Host, "MTP Daily"; NBC News

Related Publications

Angela Stent on the Terror Attack in Moscow

Angela Stent on the Terror Attack in Moscow

Monday, March 25, 2024

By: Angela Stent

While ISIS has claimed responsibility for the devastating terror attack in Moscow, Putin has baselessly tried to shift the blame to Ukraine, says USIP’s Angela Stent: “[Putin] wants to use this to increase repression at home … and also to pursue a more aggressive path in Ukraine.”

Type: Podcast

War and the Church in Ukraine

War and the Church in Ukraine

Thursday, March 14, 2024

By: Peter Mandaville, Ph.D.

Vladimir Putin’s war to reverse Ukraine’s independence includes religion. For centuries, the Russian Orthodox Church bolstered Moscow’s rule by wielding ecclesiastical authority over Ukrainian churches. Since early 2019, Ukraine has had a self-governing Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Russia’s invasion has sharpened tensions between it and the rival branch historically linked to Moscow. Any conciliation between them could shrink areas for conflict — and the Kremlin’s ability to stir chaos — in a postwar Ukraine. It would bolster Ukraine’s future stability and reinforce a decline in Russia’s historically massive influence across the Orthodox Christian world. But can Ukrainians make that happen?

Type: Analysis

Religion

Lauren Baillie on the ICC’s Latest Warrants for Russian War Crimes

Lauren Baillie on the ICC’s Latest Warrants for Russian War Crimes

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

By: Lauren Baillie

For the first time, the International Criminal Court has charged high-level Russian commanders with crimes against humanity — showing that Russia’s assault on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine is “not sporadic, it’s systematic, it’s purposeful, it’s part of a policy,” says USIP’s Lauren Baillie.

Type: Podcast

Ukraine War Takes a Toll on Russia

Ukraine War Takes a Toll on Russia

Monday, March 11, 2024

By: Mary Glantz, Ph.D.

Later this week, Russia will hold its presidential election, but no one is holding their breath about the outcome. Russia’s war in Ukraine has accelerated the process of ruthless consolidation of power in the Kremlin. Vladimir Putin’s regime, with a mixture of fear and confidence, is becoming more brazenly aggressive against any opposition ahead of the election, which will be held from March 15 to 17.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

View All Publications