Talks Without Ukraine: Human Rights Activists Warn Against Decisions Made Without the Victim’s Participation

June 4, 2025.

    Several Ukrainian human rights organizations, including the Center for Civil Liberties, the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group, and other civil society actors, issued a public statement in response to reports of negotiations between the United States and Russia regarding the settlement of the war in Ukraine.
    
    The statement emphasized that any diplomatic efforts concerning peace in Ukraine cannot be legitimate without Ukraine’s direct involvement. Otherwise, it constitutes a violation of the principle of sovereignty and the right to self-determination.
    
    Activists noted that discussing Ukraine's future in a "great powers" format without the voice of the Ukrainian people replicates old imperialist approaches and increases the risk of renewed aggression.
    
    The statement also stressed that genuine peace is not merely a ceasefire, but also justice for the victims. This means ensuring accountability for all those responsible for war crimes, including the leadership of the Russian Federation.
    
    Human rights advocates called on the international community, especially the United States, not to return to the “peace in exchange for land” approach or to forgive crimes for the sake of political compromise.