Mark Ellis
Mark Stephen Ellis, an expert in international criminal law, executive director of the International Bar Association, speaks about visiting Ukraine and the perception of war by the international community due to conversation with the host Andriy Kulykov for Ukraine Calling, the English-language podcast from Hromadske Radio in Kyiv.
Mr. Ellis has visited Ukraine three times during the war.
«Every time I come here I’m a bit overwhelmed by the resolve of Ukrainians, not just the government officials, but non-government officials, citizens, military, in their resolve to not only bring victory to Ukraine but also to build a society that will be seen as having been worth the sacrifices that have been made particularly by Ukraininans but also by the international community that has helped. And so each time I’m here, I get a better sense that that’s the direction that the country is going. But I also recognize that it is a difficult journey. It is depressing at times, it’s heartbreaking at times because this is a war that Ukrainians have to live in each day and the fact that two nights ago the bombs were coming down, drones were here. Well that was one night for me but it’s every night here and elsewhere in Ukraine and for me it’s just an incredible sense of the strength of Ukrainian people».
These thoughts are common in the international community, but when we call it that way we have to recognize that the international community does not mean every single state in the world. There are quite a few countries that have no interest in this war and no interest in condemning Putin, mr. Ellis says.
«But for the kind of consolidated group of countries who understand that this war is much more than a war against Ukraine itself, it’s a war against the basic order of law, principles, human rights and if we lose this, the consequences will be far, not just in Ukraine but I think worldwide. And so the question is, will the international community, as I’ve defined it, continue to have the resolve to support Ukraine, because that’s essential, and will there be fatigue in the sense of countries who will say enough is enough. Will the US elections next year go in a way that would dramatically change the position that the US is now following in support of Ukraine? And it could very well change. And so there’s lots at stake here, and for the next year, year and a half. And part of what I believe my responsibility is to continue to speak as a lawyer, as an international lawyer, what the consequences will be if we do not successfully counter this war started by Russia, and Mr. Putin particularly».
You may read and listen the full conversation: Indictment Against Putin Will Be Amended, Top International Lawyer Says