A Powerful Evening with Oleksandra Matviichuk: The Strength of the Ordinary People

On November 24th, we successfully hosted a public dialogue at the Berliner Ensemble with Oleksandra Matviichuk, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and head of the Center for Civil Liberties, bringing together more than 500 guests for an evening of reflection, honesty, and hope. At a time when Ukraine once again faces political pressure and yet another wave of so-called peaceful negotiations, Matviichuk’s voice could not have been more timely.

The event opened with a moving performance by the Klekit Choir, singing Chervona Ruta — a symbolic song for all Ukrainians. The first part of the evening took the form of a moderated conversation between Oleksandra Matviichuk and prominent Eastern Europe reporter and expert Sabine Adler, focusing on justice during wartime. The evening then continued with a discussion on the state of democracy in Ukraine featuring long-standing Ukraine expert Rebecca Harms, Michael Meyer-Resende, Executive Director of DRI, and Oleksandra Matviichuk. The discussion was moderated by DUB’s Executive Director Mattia Nelles. Together, they explored what democracy means under the strain of full-scale war, what life under occupation truly looks like, and why human rights and accountability must remain at the center of any future peace.

Throughout the conversation, the audience returned again and again to one idea voiced by Matviichuk: “We are not hostages of circumstances — we are active participants in shaping events.” She reminded everyone of a slogan from the Revolution of Dignity — that no one is “just a drop in the ocean,” because many small actions together create real change. Her message about the power of ordinary people — those who defend dignity, resist occupation, document atrocities, and keep democracy alive — inspired the entire room.

Speakers also discussed democracy, human rights, resilience, and the meaning of hope in wartime. They addressed what Europe can learn from Ukraine’s experience and why just peace must ensure both accountability for the aggressor and long-term security for the continent.

This large public dialogue was an effort to bring Ukrainian voices beyond the expert community and speak directly to the broader German public. The result was a full house that listened, cried, asked questions, and stood in applause — a powerful reminder that democracy lives through people, and that Ukrainians continue to defend not only their country, but the very idea of freedom.

For those who could not attend, the recording of the event is available to watch online.

The event in Berline Ensemble was co-organised by German-Ukrainian Bureau and Democracy Reporting International. We are grateful to our partners from Vitshche and the Ukrainian Institute in Germany for their help. This event became possible thanks to the support of the Federal Foreign Ministry (Auswärtiges Amt) and Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (bpb).

Photos by: Pavlo Slobodnichenko

Please find the full photo report here.