On June 20, the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA) presented the Ukrainian translation of Lawyering Peace by Dr. Paul R. Williams. The event, held in Lviv, marked the first official presentation of this landmark work in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian edition is titled “Шлях примирення: як право формує стійкий мир” . This in-depth study, drawing on insights from over 25 peace processes, offers a vision that is highly relevant for Ukraine — one where law serves as a tool to achieve and formalize a just peace.

The book was presented by Ivan Horodyskyy, Vice President of the UBA, and Ihor Stepurin, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Publishers and Booksellers Association. The event also featured a video message from the author, Dr. Paul R. Williams.

Ivan Horodyskyy emphasized the importance of shaping legal guidelines for Ukraine’s future. In his view, alongside ensuring security, it is equally crucial to discuss the contours of peace — particularly from a legal perspective.

“This publication is not only an intellectual product but also a symbol that we, as legal professionals, must shape our own meanings and approaches. There is a lack of high-quality legal literature in Ukraine, especially literature that explores the role of law in times of war. I hope this book will mark the beginning of a new trend,” said Horodyskyy.

He also encouraged the audience to follow the Lawyering Peace podcast by PILPG, which features the voices of Ukrainian lawyers and international experts, including conversations with Mykola Stetsenko and other UBA members. “We are collaborating with Paul Williams, and the podcast covers issues of direct relevance to Ukraine,” he added.

Professor Paul R. Williams expressed his gratitude to the Ukrainian Bar Association for initiating the translation and underscored the particular importance of this book for Ukrainian lawyers involved in shaping a future peace.

He noted that Lawyering Peace is a practical guide for lawyers and policymakers engaged in peace negotiations. Drawing on international experience, the book outlines legal mechanisms that help ensure a lasting, just, and sovereign peace. Dr. Williams stressed that Ukraine must be prepared for future negotiations, maintaining its legal position and defending the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.

“This book is not a roadmap for when to begin negotiations — it is a tool for how to conduct them from a position of strength and principle. Its purpose is to help Ukraine achieve its political goals by anchoring legal mechanisms that protect the rights and future of the state,” said Dr. Paul R. Williams.

Ihor Stepurin shared a behind-the-scenes account of the publication process: “Working with the Ukrainian Bar Association was an extraordinary experience. We witnessed true professionalism and attention to every detail. Kateryna, Viktoriia, Andrii — the UBA team proofread the book down to every comma, every citation.”

According to Stepurin, the book was produced under challenging conditions — part of the print run was completed in Kyiv during missile attacks, and the cover was printed in Kharkiv, a major printing hub. “We aimed for the book to be not only meaningful in content but also of high-quality design and production. This is about quality, about respect for the reader, and about trust in the legal word.”

“I am confident this book will find its readers — those seeking answers to the complex legal questions of reconciliation, justice, and Ukraine’s victory,” Stepurin concluded.

Kateryna Pyshchyk, UBA’s Project Management Advisor who oversaw the translation initiative from idea to publication, shared:
“With this edition, the Ukrainian Bar Association aims not only to translate the author’s knowledge into Ukrainian but also to bring our society closer to forming its own understanding of how law can be a tool for recovery and peace. At a time when Ukraine is fighting for freedom, dignity, and justice, this conversation is especially urgent.

We are sincerely grateful to the International Renaissance Foundation for their support, which made it possible to publish this book for the Ukrainian audience precisely when reflection on the role of law in building lasting peace is more vital than ever.”
____

The event took place as part of a project supported by the International Renaissance Foundation. The content represents the position of the Ukrainian Bar Association and does not necessarily reflect the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.