In War-torn Ukraine, Civic Organizations Are Vital to Victory and Rebuilding

One year ago today, the authoritarian regime in Russia launched its unprovoked, illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Just as when it invaded Crimea and parts of eastern Donbas in 2014, there was enormous concern for the Ukrainians who fell—or might fall—under Russian occupation. To great horror, these fears have proven justified. Amid ghastly destruction and violence inflicted against Ukrainians, reports have emerged of “kill lists” sent by Russian intelligence agencies to frontline troops. The lists include not only Ukrainian government officials, but also journalists, activists, veterans, lawyers, LGBT+ people, and religious leaders.