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

After Ukraine’s Peace Summit, Widen Consensus With ‘Middle Powers’

After Ukraine’s Peace Summit, Widen Consensus With ‘Middle Powers’

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Last weekend saw the broadest, highest-level international endorsement yet for the principles of Ukraine’s peace proposal to end Russia’s invasion. Ukraine’s first peace summit, in Switzerland, drew 101 countries and international institutions, of which more than 80 signed a declaration endorsing “principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine.” As Russia counters any such vision with disingenuous and unserious offers to negotiate, Ukraine and its allies could more energetically draw “middle powers,” such as India, Egypt or Saudi Arabia, into the coming round of efforts to shape a viable, just peace process.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

Putin Renews His Signal on Ukraine: Readiness for a Long War

Putin Renews His Signal on Ukraine: Readiness for a Long War

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Several recent actions by the Kremlin reinforce its signals that Russian President Vladimir Putin is committed to sustaining his grinding war of attrition against Ukraine for years to come if necessary. Putin likely believes that Russia can outlast the West’s support for Ukraine, thereby achieving his aims of fully occupying the territory his country illegally annexed in 2022 (especially the Donetsk and Luhansk regions) and destroying Ukrainian sovereignty. Indeed, Putin may well see that successful annexation as vital to his foremost goal: retaining power in Russia.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

In Russia’s Hybrid War on Europe, Moldova’s Critical Next 15 Months

In Russia’s Hybrid War on Europe, Moldova’s Critical Next 15 Months

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

A rising risk in southeast Europe is Russia’s sharpening of conflicts to block Moldova’s effort to join the European Union. The Kremlin is escalating a hybrid campaign to manipulate three Moldovan elections over the next 15 months. Moscow last week hosted the formation of a political bloc around its primary Moldovan ally, a fugitive billionaire convicted of the country’s worst-ever bank fraud — and sent a startling flood of pre-election cash that police seized at Moldova’s main airport. This is a critical season for Moldova’s democratic allies to help it defeat Russian disinformation and election subversion.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

View All Publications