On 22 July, Kyiv hosted the presentation of the Ukrainian edition of Lawyering Peace by Dr Paul R. Williams — now available under the title The Path to Reconciliation: How Law Shapes a Lasting Peace. The publication was prepared by the Ukrainian Bar Association with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation.

The project was also supported by the Creative Agency “Artil,” which coordinated the publishing process, and the Ukrainian Publishers and Booksellers Association, which is assisting with the book’s distribution.

In his opening remarks, President of the Ukrainian Bar Association Mykola Stetsenko emphasised the special significance of the publication for Ukraine: “This book is not just a translation of Dr Paul Williams’ influential work. It is a contribution to the broader dialogue on how legal tools can help end the war, restore statehood, and lay the foundation for lasting peace.”

Roman Romanov, Director of the Human Rights and Justice Programme at the International Renaissance Foundation, stressed the importance of a deliberate and inclusive approach to shaping the conditions for peace in Ukraine.

“The Ukrainian people's united resistance to Russian aggression has become a national effort. This cohesion is what allows us to hold the front. But it is equally important that the search for acceptable terms of peace, their understanding, and public perception also become a shared endeavour,” he noted.

According to Mr Romanov, decisions must be well-considered, grounded in law, filtered through public understanding, and suitable for open communication with citizens.

“In this regard, the intellectual contribution of the author, the Ukrainian Bar Association, and our support is a joint effort towards building sustainable peace in Ukraine. We did everything possible to ensure this publication came to life and reached Ukrainian readers,” he added.

The author of the book himself — Dr Paul R. Williams, J.D., Professor and Co-founder of the Public International Law & Policy Group — also shared his perspective on the topic, offering his insights into the role of lawyers in peace negotiations.

“In most cases, even the most brutal conflicts are resolved through negotiations. But not every agreement results in lasting peace. Ukraine is no exception. From Minsk to Istanbul, we’ve seen how the lack of clear legal mechanisms has made peace agreements fragile,” said Paul R. Williams.

According to the author, Lawyering Peace is intended as a practical tool for those involved in peace processes. The book draws on over three decades of experience by Paul R. Williams and his team in Bosnia, Kosovo, South Sudan, Iraq, Syria, and other countries.

“Lawyers must not only act as advisers — they must shape the architecture of the agreement: weaving into its text the principles of justice, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. It is they who make it possible to restore Ukraine’s full rights — even in the face of temporary concessions at the negotiating table,” Dr Paul R. Williams emphasised.

He also noted that Ukrainian lawyers must begin preparing for potential negotiations now — even if final victory has not yet been achieved. Lawyers, he said, have the space for professional preparation at a time when political leaders are constrained in their public actions.

“This is your responsibility — to lay the legal foundation that will ensure peace is not only possible, but also just and enduring,” Paul R. Williams concluded.

The symbolic significance of holding the presentation at the Yaroslav Mudryi National Library of Ukraine was highlighted by its Director, Dr Oleh Serbin, Professor. He stressed that the event demonstrated the active role of libraries in shaping today’s Ukrainian context.

“Our library has become a platform for meetings between talented individuals and the development of numerous projects. Everything we do as librarians on a daily basis brings tangible results — including collaborations with the legal community,” he emphasised.

Oleh Serbin expressed his gratitude to the International Renaissance Foundation, the Ukrainian Bar Association, and the Creative Agency “Artil” for bringing this joint project to life. Thanks to their partnership, the Ukrainian edition of Lawyering Peace will not only be found on the desks of legal professionals but also in libraries across the country.

“We have already engaged a number of libraries to ensure this book reaches its readers. As the coordination centre for public libraries in Ukraine, we are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to knowledge that reshapes the understanding of justice and peace,” Mr Serbin added.

Ihor Stepurin, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Publishers and Booksellers Association, spoke about how the book was brought to life despite all the challenges. In his remarks, he first expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for making it possible to create, gather, and publish — even during wartime.

“It is a great honour for me to represent an association that brings together over 120 publishers, bookstores, and printing houses — both large and small. Despite all the challenges, the publishing sector continues to function, and the Ukrainian word continues to be heard and printed,” he emphasised.

Mr Stepurin shared that the book was printed during heavy missile attacks on Kyiv, and its cover was produced in Kharkiv — Ukraine’s printing capital. According to him, this is one of the best projects in terms of both content and print quality.

He also called on libraries — both public and university — to contact the Association to receive copies of the book. “We want this book to reach the places where it is truly needed — every corner of the country. Because victory must not only be achieved, but also secured in the legal dimension,” he concluded.

Legal professionals who have already familiarised themselves with Dr Paul R. Williams’ work shared their reflections on the key ideas presented in the book, as well as the importance of drawing on the experience of international peace processes for Ukraine. The discussion was moderated by Kateryna Kyrychenko, Legal Director of PILPG in Ukraine and a PhD candidate at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, who has worked closely with the author for several years.

We lack a coherent vision of security mechanisms during the transitional period

“The book is particularly valuable in how it clearly outlines the links between theoretical approaches, political agreements, and practical legal mechanisms that could be applied in Ukraine. This is especially important in the context of judicial practice and regional security policy,” noted Yevhen Krapyvin, Head of the Rule of Law Programme at the Laboratory of Legislative Initiatives.

According to him, Ukraine still lacks a systematic vision for security solutions during the transitional period. Most discussions focus on holding perpetrators accountable and developing reparation mechanisms, while equally critical aspects — such as establishing stable security in de-occupied territories — remain without a clear strategy.

“We need to speak not only about demobilisation or weapons control, but also about the rehabilitation of territories, minimising the ideological influence of the aggressor, and countering criminal networks that may become active in a transitional period,” the expert stressed.

He also emphasised that discussions on these security mechanisms must begin now — at the policy and legal level — to prevent ad hoc decision-making in the future. The Path to Reconciliation: How Law Shapes a Lasting Peace is a valuable resource because, despite different historical contexts, it highlights tried-and-tested solutions and raises the level of professional discourse in Ukraine.

Institutional frameworks must be rebuilt on a foundation of legal scholarship

Professor Zoya Zahyney-Zabolotenko, Doctor of Law and Head of the Department of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Judiciary Studies at the Koretsky Institute of State and Law, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, underscored the importance of institutional design in the context of Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

The professor emphasised that the core themes raised in the book go beyond legal theory and delve into the practical challenges of building effective state institutions. These include reforming the powers of public authorities, countering disinformation, and ensuring transparent communication with the public.

“These ideas are not new to Ukraine. They were already central to public discourse before the war, but the post-conflict period presents an opportunity to re-evaluate them and lay the groundwork for a strong institutional architecture,” Zoya Zahyney-Zabolotenko highlighted.

In her view, publications like this act as catalysts for professional dialogue and help shape future governance decisions: “We must cultivate an institutional framework that responds to the realities and challenges facing our state.”

Justice is not a privilege but a fundamental pillar of sustainable peace

Yaryna Sydii, Prosecutor at the Pechersk District Prosecutor’s Office in Kyiv, stressed the critical importance of justice as the foundation of any peace process in Ukraine.

“Our war is not only a fight for territory — it is a fight for justice. The truth must be told, and crimes must be named. No victory can override the need for accountability,” she stated.

The speaker underscored that Ukraine’s strategy must be firmly rooted in the principle of accountability: “It is essential to define the ‘red lines’ before any negotiations begin, guarantee the inevitability of punishment for war crimes, and ensure that both international and national institutions are equipped to implement this accountability.”

Yaryna Sydii also emphasised the role of society in this process, noting that justice is not only about punishment. It is also about ensuring that every Ukrainian knows their truth will be heard and their experience acknowledged.

She drew a historical parallel with the aftermath of World War I: “The unwillingness of parts of German society to accept responsibility for the war and the absence of justice contributed to the rise of World War II. We cannot afford to repeat that mistake.”

Sustainable peace is not achieved through an act of capitulation, but through systematic work — by identifying the problems, addressing them publicly, and developing coherent responses. This is the true path to victory.

Achieving Justice Requires a Systematic Focus on the Crime of Aggression

During the discussion, Oleksandr Ziuz, Head of the Department for Cooperation with International, Intergovernmental and National Organizations at the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, underscored the need to centre justice efforts specifically on the crime of aggression.

“We already have certain programmatic documents, including memoranda with partners, which allow us to build structures for investigating war crimes. But the crime of aggression must occupy a special place — it is the origin of all subsequent crimes, of the territorial seizures, and it must become the key focus of judicial prosecution,” he stated.

According to Oleksandr Ziuz, around 90% of the evidence related to crimes that will be submitted to a special tribunal is being collected on Ukrainian territory. Therefore, the task is not only to build a robust evidentiary base, but also to ensure its effective transmission to international jurisdictions.

He also emphasised the need for the specialisation of Ukrainian judges and lawyers in cases involving international crimes: “We are already moving towards establishing judicial specialisation. But we must also engage lawyers — not just as defence attorneys, but as active participants in mechanisms for delivering justice.”

Mr Ziuz further stressed the importance of the national element in this process, noting that reliance on international institutions alone is insufficient. Ukraine must demonstrate its readiness to address the crime of aggression within its own legal system.

Decentralisation in De-Occupied Territories Is a Challenge That Requires a Systemic Legal Response

Daria Svyrydova, Lawyer and Partner at AZONES Law Firm, highlighted the importance of a legal approach to the reintegration of de-occupied territories, particularly in the context of local self-governance.

“Today we face a serious challenge — the restoration of local governance in regions that return under Ukrainian control. This is not only a matter of holding elections; it is also about security, trust, and preventing the resurgence of occupation-driven narratives,” she emphasised.

According to her, current legislation on collaboration does not yet provide clear and just answers, leaving room for ambiguous interpretations. A balanced approach must be developed — one that protects society but does not punish those who have merely lived under occupation.

Daria Svyrydova stressed: “Victims of occupation must not become targets of persecution. Our task is to keep the focus on supporting these individuals — who are victims, not perpetrators, of this war.”

She also emphasised that all decisions related to transitional justice must be grounded in human rights, access to information, transparency, and public trust. This approach, she noted, is essential for building a genuine system of justice restoration in Ukraine.

Civil Society Must Be a Central Actor in the Transitional Justice Process

In her remarks, Zera Kozlieva, Legal Director at Truth Hounds, emphasised the need for a systematic and inclusive approach to restoring justice after conflict.

“This discussion made it clear: transitional justice is not a set of isolated decisions, but a complex system. It must take into account the context of self-determination, human rights, governance decisions, and the interests of people who have lived through occupation,” she stressed.

Zera Kozlieva stressed that Ukraine already has activists, researchers, and human rights defenders who are working to understand the challenges of the transitional period. However, this process must include public participation. It is essential to create space for those with lived experience — people who work daily in their communities and witness what justice truly looks like on the ground.

In her view, the key task is not to create a system of “selection,” but to build one of inclusion, where justice is accessible, understandable, and accountable: “Civil society must not just participate in this process — it must drive it. It is civil society that ensures sustainability and public trust.”

We Have a Chance to Offer the World Unique Justice Expertise Gained During War

During the discussion on key ideas of transitional justice, Dr Roman Mudryi highlighted Ukraine’s unique role in shaping a new understanding of justice in times of armed conflict.

“Ukrainians today are not merely analysing the international humanitarian agenda — we are actively shaping new standards. And if those standards are based on substantive justice, not just procedure, then our voice on the international stage will be heard and taken seriously,” he stressed.

Roman Mudryi emphasised that war is not only a catastrophe, but also a space where new knowledge is born:
“We have a chance to offer the world the expertise we are now gaining under the most difficult conditions. And these are not just legal mechanisms — they reflect a deep understanding of the very nature of justice.”

In this context, he spoke about an initiative to establish a Peace Institute as part of the transformation of Zaporizhzhia National University: “This should become a space where professionals work with victims, conduct research, develop policy analysis, and systematise experiences that can later be shared with other countries facing conflict.”

Justice, he added, is not an abstraction. It is daily work — recording, understanding, and providing support. And if we fulfil this mission, Ukraine can become a source of solutions for the world.

How to Get a Copy of the Book

If you would like to receive a copy of The Path to Reconciliation: How Law Shapes a Lasting Peace — for personal use, to share with colleagues, or to pass on to your organisation or library — please fill out a short form via the link provided.

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The event was held as part of a project implemented with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation. Its content reflects the position of the Ukrainian Bar Association and does not necessarily represent the views of the International Renaissance Foundation.