Theme of the Opening of the Year of Law 2025 — "Law in the Name of Peace, Justice and Unity"

On October 8, 2025, the Ukrainian Bar Association held a formal reception dedicated to the opening of the Year of Law 2025. at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv. The event brought together representatives of the legal community, government authorities, leaders of spiritual ministries, international partners, and young lawyers.

The Reception focused on the role of law as the foundation of justice, state development, and Ukraine's European integration.

Law is service. Being a lawyer today means not only possessing knowledge, but also taking responsibility.

UBA President Mykola Stetsenko in his opening speech emphasized the symbolism of holding the event at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv and thanked the partners and organizers for their support. In his speech, he drew attention to the role of lawyers in strengthening trust in the state, especially in times of populism and misinformation.

Mr. Mykola Stetsenko described justice as the core of the rule of law and the reconstruction of the state after the war. He emphasized the importance of maintaining professional principles, and humanity in legal practice.

“True justice exists only when the law protects, heals, and restores,” he said. Mykola Stetsenko also called on lawyers to be a light in times of confusion and to support the moral foundation of society.

Yana Mudryk, Head of the UBA Student League, also delivered a welcoming speech, addressing to young lawyers and their senior colleagues. She pointed on the great responsibility that rests on the shoulders of students today, because, according to her, it is the young generation of lawyers who will rebuild and transform the justice system after the war ends.

“This is a huge responsibility, and it is a path that is actually very difficult to follow. And it will be impossible to follow it without the synergy of generations,” she stressed.

Yana expressed her gratitude to the experienced lawyers for the examples and values they convey, because it is them that young professionals look up to, striving to become even better. “You are the very senior colleagues we look up to,” she said.

Concluding her speech, Yana called for unity between generations in the legal community and congratulated everyone on the holiday.

It was very symbolic that two generations of lawyers were opening the Year of Law together.

Keynote speech by international partner: "Law as the basis for European integration: supporting Ukraine on its way to the EU"

Asier Santillan Luzuriaga, Head of the European Integration, Governance and Rule of Law, Civil Society Section of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, in his speech emphasized that European integration is impossible without a deep understanding and affirmation of the principle of the rule of law.

“The rule of law is a fundamental principle that ensures that all individuals, institutions, and government structures comply with the law and are equally accountable before the law,” the speaker noted.

He pointed out that most of those present were born under authoritarian regimes—Soviet or fascist dictatorships—and understand well the value of legal guarantees. At the same time, he cautioned that younger generations do not always understand the difference between law as a formality and the rule of law as a value.

The speaker focused separately on the concept of acquis communautaire — a collection of laws, court decisions, and policies that form the legal basis of the European Union. Full implementation of the acquis is a prerequisite for candidate countries such as Ukraine on their path to EU membership.

Asier Santillán Luzuriaga stressed that reforming Ukrainian legal institutions—courts, prosecutors, and lawyers—is critically important. “Responsibility for the proper functioning of the system lies with representatives of the legal profession, who must uphold integrity, independence, and professionalism,” the speaker emphasized.

Prayers and guidance from spiritual leaders of various denominations

Agapit, Archbishop of Vyshgorod, secretary of the Kyiv Metropolis of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine on behalf of the church community thanked the lawyers for their work toward a common goal—victory and a just peace. The archbishop conveyed greetings from the Primate of the OCU, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy.

 “Your calling to serve truth, justice, and legality is extremely important for building a just society. Like church ministry, legal work is based on moral principles, truth, and responsibility before God and people,” the greeting said.

Bishop Alexander Yazlovetsky, auxiliary bishop and vicar general of the Kyiv-Zhytomyr Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, drawing on his personal experience of studying canon law, emphasized that the legal profession is not only a profession but also a service to truth and justice.

"Justice without mercy is cold. But mercy without justice is another extreme that can be blind. There must be a balance. There must be both justice and mercy," the bishop emphasized.

He called on lawyers not to forget the spiritual component of their work and to see each criminal first and foremost as a human being.

Mitred Archpriest Oleksa Petriv, head of the Department of External Relations of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine, PhD in Law, conveyed greetings and blessings from the Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav. He emphasized the symbolic significance of the proclaimed Year of Law, stressing that focusing on the theme of justice throughout the year has the potential to bear deep and positive fruit.

In his speech, Father Oleksa drew attention to the difference between the religious understanding of law and the secular one: "In our view, law is a double-edged sword. A sword with two blades is dangerous because it can strike not only an enemy, but also a friend, a comrade-in-arms, and even oneself." He called on lawyers to act with prudence, remembering their spiritual dignity and responsibility.

Alexander Shnurenko, senior bishop of the Central Conference of the Ukrainian Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, addressed the audience with reflections on the spiritual dimension of the legal profession.

He emphasized that people should be at the center of any legal practice: “Humanity and honesty are the strongest weapons. And they are abundant in the hands of lawyers—defenders of truth, conscience, freedom of conscience, law, and human rights.”

Protopriest Theodosius Popdyakunyk, representative of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, emphasized the importance of combining law and morality in the daily work of a lawyer: "A lawyer is a person who, in everyday life, is called upon to determine what is good and what is evil. And it is impossible to determine this correctly without proper knowledge of morality, law, justice, and fairness."

Ahmed Tamim, Grand Mufti of Ukraine, Head of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Ukraine, and Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, emphasized that justice is not only a legal principle but also a “human mission” and a “national duty,” especially in times of war when the integrity of the state is violated.

The Mufti emphasized the growing role of lawyers in strengthening trust in institutions, shaping legal culture, and restoring citizens' rights: “Trust in institutions and hope for fair decisions arise when citizens turn to honest and fair professionals, hoping to restore their rights.” He stressed that it is through serving such people that the most difficult challenges are overcome.

Ahmed Tamim also assured that the Muslim community of Ukraine supports the pursuit of justice and wished all lawyers wisdom and “expansion of useful knowledge.”

Rustem Asanov, imam of the Ihlas Islamic Cultural Center and lawyer for the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, addressed the participants of the event as a lawyer and spiritual leader. He emphasized the deep connection between law and morality, noting: “Even the best law remains a lifeless text if its implementation is not based on the principles of justice and spiritual responsibility.”

In his speech, Rustem Asanov emphasized that religion and law are “two wings” that have a common mission: to uphold justice and change society. In conditions of war and profound challenges, he said, this task becomes even more relevant.

“Preserve the purity of your profession. And let your words and decisions be an example of unity, law, and conscience,” he urged the legal community.

Greetings from event partners

We are not alone — we have friends and partners who support this event and share our aspirations.

Representatives of the partners of the gala reception also congratulated on the opening of the Year of Law: Vice President of the Ukrainian Bar Association, Senior Partner at Sokolovskiy & Partners Law Firm Tetiana Lysovets, and Managing Partner at ARES Law Firm Roman Chumak.

In her speech, Tetiana Lysovets shared her personal thoughts on the calling of a lawyer and the power of the profession: "After the spiritual leaders expressed their thoughts, I honestly felt that a lot in this world depends on us, lawyers. And in fact, when can you become a professional? Only when it is your calling."

Roman Chumak noted that the energetic combination of spirituality and law that took place that day was a unique experience for him. He called on lawyers to reflect on their responsibility to society and the state on their professional holiday.

Honoring the memory of lawyers who died in the war and presentation of the project “Book of Memory of Lawyers”

Memory obliges us. We remember those who gave their lives for Ukraine's independence, truth, and future.

An important part of the solemn reception of the Year of Law Opening was the commemoration of Ukrainian lawyers who died defending the freedom and statehood of Ukraine.

This year's reception is a reminder that the professional community is able to work, develop the law, and serve society thanks to those who are currently defending their homeland on the front lines.

This fall, the Ukrainian Bar Association, on the initiative of Denys Buhay, a member of the UBA Board and founding partner of VB Partners, launched the “Book of Remembrance for Lawyers” project to immortalize the names of lawyers who gave their lives for Ukraine.

"Hundreds of our colleagues left their jobs — some took off their judges' robes, lawyers' suits, or prosecutors' coats — and went to the front lines to defend justice. Dozens of them, unfortunately, died. The only thing we can and must do is to preserve their memory and not let their sacrifice be forgotten," emphasized Denys Buhay.

He said that the project involves creating an online platform, a print publication, and translating materials into foreign languages. Concluding his speech, Denys Buhay called on his colleagues to join the initiative and honored the memory of the victims with a minute of silence.

UBA Honorary Award ‘For Honour and Professional Dignity’

The Reception was followed by the presentation of the UBA's Honorary Award “For Honor and Professional Dignity.”

It is the highest award of the UBA, which is awarded annually for outstanding achievements in professional, public, scientific, charitable, and other spheres of public life. This year's winner was Andriy Romanchuk, a serviceman of the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine “Charter,” head of the organizational and legal department of the 2nd Corps of the “Charter,” and founder of the MORIS law firm.

His name is well known in the legal community: he was vice president of the Ukrainian Bar Association and is currently a member of its Ethics Commission. Mr. Romanchuk consistently advocates for honesty and transparency in the legal profession and business, and his integrity and willingness to take responsibility have made him an example for many lawyers.

Last year, he joined the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, proving the inseparable link between the legal profession, civil society, and the military. In wartime, he continues to serve his country by helping to shape a modern legal system within the Charter's units.

“Honesty with oneself is the loudest voice of conscience, while its echo is honor and professional dignity,” said Mykola Stetsenko as he presented the award.

Honor and example. This award for the one who has become the embodiment of professional integrity.

Andriy Romanchuk: “Our victory is a process that we ensure every day.”

In his speech, Andriy Romanchuk shared his personal thoughts on the role of lawyers during the war. Noting that he was nervous, he humorously said, “There are three invincible forces in Ukraine: the people who never give up, the army that never retreats, and the lawyers who never close cases completely.”

Mr. Andriy Romanchuk thanked his colleagues for their recognition and emphasized that this award is not only a tribute to his personal contribution, but also a tribute to all lawyers currently serving in the military. He stressed that lawyers should be at the very epicenter of processes where real depth is created, rather than convenient populism.

The recipient of the APU's honorary award outlined an important thesis: Ukraine's victory will probably not be a momentary event, but rather a long process in which lawyers, together with the military, society, and business, ensure progress every day.

Youth is shaping tomorrow. We honor young lawyers who are already building the new legal reality today.

UBA Best Young Lawyer Award winners 2025

• Daryna Artymovets — lawyer at AVER LEX, volunteer lawyer at the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War
• Vladyslav Ignatko — lawyer, postgraduate student and lecturer at the Faculty of Law and Economics of Uzhhorod National University
• Anastasiia Pozhar — lawyer at Asters, assistant to a lawyer.

During the award ceremony, Daria Artymovets shared her emotions: “It is a great honor for me to be among the winners and to be among those who shape the face of the modern legal community. This is not just a competition—it is the trust of my colleagues, which I deeply appreciate and am proud of. For me, this is a great motivation to move forward and only forward.”

In his turn, Vladislav Ignatko said: “It is very nice that we talk a lot about justice today. Honestly, for me, these are not just words. I remember when I was a first-year student, in lectures on the theory of state and law, we were taught about the principles of law — at that time, I did not fully understand their practical significance. But after becoming a graduate student and lecturer, I won several cases not on the basis of the law or regulations, but on the principles of law.

My teacher, Vasyl Lemak, now a judge of the Constitutional Court, said: first there was morality — and only within its limits did the principles of law develop. And justice is the first principle that we grasp subconsciously, even before the words of the law. And it was religion, in a sense, that “armed” people with these initial norms, even before the emergence of states and kings.  Thank you to the Ukrainian Bar Association for preserving these values...".

Anastasia Pozhar shared her gratitude for the recognition and support she has received in her professional career. She thanked her family, who accepted her work as a new part of her life, her teachers at the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, where she first heard about the rule of law, and her company, Asters, where she worked her way up from an intern to a lawyer.

She expressed special gratitude to her mentor, the firm's partner Oleksandr Voznyuk: “He is a person who has shown that one should live not by the letter of the law, but by the spirit of the law.”

In addition, guests were welcomed by Oleksandra Yanovska, member of the UBA Board, judge of the Supreme Court, and Olena Orlyuk, director of the Ukrainian National Office of Intellectual Property and Innovation.

The UBA would like to thank the partners of the Gala Reception, who made the event possible: Ario Law Firm, AVELLUM, Ares Law Firm, and Sokolovskiy & Partners Law Firm.