Truth-telling against hate and misinformation in Ukraine

Alice Zhuravel, a racial justice activist from Ukraine, is challenging Russian propaganda that portrays Ukraine as a racist country. Through her digital platform, Tozhsamist, she shares stories of diverse Ukrainians to counter misinformation and promote social cohesion. The article highlights her personal journey of embracing her Ukrainian and African identities, and her efforts to help Ukrainians reflect on their identities amidst the ongoing war. Zhuravel's work aims to showcase Ukraine's multicultural reality and counter false narratives, emphasizing that while racism exists, it is not systemic or widely accepted in Ukraine.

Noor Ghazi: Helping bring peace to her fellow Iraqis

Noor Ghazi, an international peace activist born in Baghdad, has dedicated her life to peacebuilding after experiencing the Gulf War, US-led invasion, and sectarian violence in Iraq. She now works to bridge cultural gaps between the US and Iraq, helping youth recover from war trauma and promoting peace education. Noor's efforts include teaching at the University of North Carolina, leading virtual exchanges between American and Iraqi students, and supporting local solutions in Iraq. She also leads Archive Iraq, preserving the country's history and collective memory through a digital collection and educational initiatives.

Digital Warfare and Peace: Learning from Ukraine’s response to the Russian invasion

The policy brief examines the digital warfare tactics in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting Ukraine's successful counter-narratives and digital campaigns since the full-scale invasion in 2022. It contrasts this with Russia's previous control over the narrative through propaganda and troll armies, noting Ukraine's role in shifting international perspectives and contributing to Russia's digital isolation.

The constant evolution of Russia-Turkey relations

Turkey has maintained a balanced stance in its relations with Russia and Ukraine, condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine while refraining from imposing sanctions and continuing trade. This approach aligns with Turkey's historical tradition of balancing relations with major powers. The relationship between Turkey and Russia is characterized by mutual benefits in trade, particularly in sanctioned goods, while media and information spheres remain potential conflict areas. Despite Russia's attempts at disinformation, Turkey's foreign policy under Erdoğan remains pragmatic, leveraging its position to maintain economic partnerships while strengthening ties with Western countries. The dynamic between Turkey and Russia is shaped by both nations' needs, with Turkey benefiting from its strategic position.

Fleeing Home As A Queer Ukrainian

Marianna, a queer activist from Kherson, Ukraine, fled her home due to the Russian invasion. As head of the LGBTQ+ organization 'For Equal Rights,' she helped hundreds of queer Ukrainians escape occupied territories. After a perilous journey, she and her group found temporary refuge in Germany, where she continues to support queer Ukrainians and raise awareness about the war. The article highlights the severe impact of the Russian occupation on LGBTQ+ individuals and the ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian aid.

Why Ukraine’s Elections Can Wait

Ukraine has postponed elections due to the ongoing war with Russia, prioritizing national defense over electoral processes. Despite the absence of elections, Ukraine maintains a pluralistic society with active opposition parties and a free press. The decision to delay elections is supported by public opinion and local NGOs, citing security, financial, and logistical challenges. President Zelensky remains popular, though his approval ratings have slightly declined. The government and international allies are encouraged to prepare for future elections to ensure democratic continuity. The article highlights the resilience of Ukrainian democracy amidst martial law and external threats.

How Inclusive Art Makes a Difference in Ukraine

Inclusive art initiatives in Ukraine, led by individuals like Iryna Lysenko and supported by organizations such as the Ukrainian Cultural Fund, aim to empower children with disabilities and promote greater societal inclusion. Despite challenges posed by the ongoing war, these efforts continue to create opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in the arts, fostering a barrier-free environment. The war has impacted funding and shifted project themes towards military and psychological resilience, yet the commitment to inclusivity remains strong, with new projects connecting veterans and children with disabilities.

(No More) Places of Unfreedom

The article discusses the challenges faced by Ukrainians with disabilities living in institutions, especially during the Russian invasion. Many residents were unable to evacuate, highlighting systemic issues in the institutionalization system. Lyudmyla Fursova, a human rights activist, advocates for reforming this system to promote autonomy and integration for persons with disabilities. Despite Ukraine's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, progress has been slow. Fursova emphasizes the need for community-based support services and a strategic approach to dismantling the legacy of Soviet-era institutionalization.

Ukraine Prepares To Serve Veterans With Disabilities

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in a significant number of veterans, many with disabilities. Liubov Halan, a lawyer and co-founder of the Kyiv-based NGO Pryncyp, discusses the need for Ukraine to develop systems to integrate these veterans into civilian life. Pryncyp, founded in early 2023, addresses systematic problems regarding veterans' rights and advocates for policy changes and state investment to support veterans. The organization also focuses on reintegration into professional life and has launched a rights navigator to assist veterans and authorities. Ukrainian society has seen a shift towards inclusivity, with Pryncyp collaborating with other organizations to promote disability-friendly employment policies. The state-owned Ukrainian Railways is an example of an entity that retrains and employs veterans with disabilities. The article emphasizes the importance of preparing for the long-term support of veterans by the state, especially once the war ends.

Ukraine Can’t Hold Elections During the War. Does It Matter?

Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia has halted elections, raising questions about the state of its democracy. Despite the absence of elections, Ukrainians largely support the current government, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky, and prioritize national defense over political campaigning. Trust in Zelensky remains high, contrasting with low confidence in parliament. Digital tools like the Diia app facilitate citizen engagement and feedback, compensating for the lack of traditional democratic processes. The article highlights the resilience of Ukrainian democracy, emphasizing citizen advocacy and government accountability amid wartime challenges.