1000 Days of Resilience: Reflecting on the War in Ukraine

Today, on the 1000th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention and Human Security stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who have endured a relentless assault on their sovereignty, humanity, and cultural heritage. For nearly three years, Ukrainian resilience has become a beacon of hope for all those fighting for self-determination and against imperialist aggression. Far beyond a struggle for territorial integrity, the Ukrainian cause reflects the universal human right to live in peace, free from aggression and cultural erasure.

We urge American leaders, particularly President-elect Trump, to remain steadfast in their commitment to the independence of Ukraine. The USA has long acted as a backstop for Russian and Soviet imperial ambitions. Now is not the time to throw in the proverbial towel. A potential withdrawal of U.S. diplomatic support for Ukraine could embolden aggressors all over the world, exacerbate civilian suffering, and allow the resurgence of a lawless international order. Looking back at 1000 days of human rights violations and genocidal atrocities, including especially the forced transfer of hundreds of Ukrainian children to Russian families, it becomes clear that continued support for Ukrainian independence, for human dignity, and for international accountability is a strategic imperative and a moral obligation.

On this 1000th day we are particularly alarmed by the reported deployment of North Korean troops in Russia’s war of aggression. It represents a disturbing escalation of the conflict that intensifies violence on the ground while undermining international peace efforts. The systematic targeting of Ukrainian infrastructure, health care, and places of refuge has already precipitated a crisis of unimaginable scale, with every additional foreign fighter only compounding the war’s devastation. The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention urges all who oppose this genocidal war against Ukrainians to continue to support Ukrainian independence and to increase their efforts toward the protection and rescue of civilians.

We commend Ukraine’s efforts to protect its culture, language, and history in the face of an aggressive war aimed at erasing the Ukrainian identity. These efforts represent Ukraine’s courageous resistance, its population's Zivilcourage, and a hopeful assertion of its place in the global community—a testament that human dignity endures even under siege. The commitment of Ukrainians to safeguarding their heritage amidst this formidable onslaught must be recognized for the heroism it represents.

Ukraine’s ordeal is a painful reminder of the cost of defending one’s identity and homeland. So many young men have died fighting on the frontlines; so many civilians have died in Russian bombardments; so many children have disappeared into Russia without a trace. We call on all nations, institutions, and individuals to stand firm against Russia’s senseless aggression and the genocide against the Ukrainian people. However this terrible war and genocide ends, there must be a strong Ukrainian voice—backed by the USA—at the table. The Western world owes it to the people of Ukraine—and to all future generations—to ensure that international law and human decency remain stronger than the forces that seek to undermine them.

To this end, we call on President-elect Donald Trump, given his position as leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world, to set the table for equitable and sensible peace negotiations, and above all, by ensuring Ukraine’s rightful presence at that table. President-elect Trump has the opportunity to achieve what has thus far proved impossible: a path to lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia. But he must not forget the importance of pushing back against Russia’s expansionism and its “might makes right” foreign policies. There must be justice for Ukrainians in international courts and at any peace table, including return of stolen territory and children.

The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention and Human Security mourns the Ukrainian and Russian lives lost in this terrible war and genocide and stands in firm solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their efforts to protect their identity from erasure. 1000 days are 1000 too many.