Maksym Butkevych — a journalist, human rights defender, and Ukrainian Armed Forces volunteer recently released from Russian captivity — has become the first Ukrainian to receive the prestigious Václav Havel Human Rights Prize. His name was announced on 29 September in Strasbourg during the opening of the autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
In his acceptance speech, Butkevych dedicated the award to all Ukrainian prisoners of war and journalists working under repression:
“Please, do not forget about Ukrainian prisoners: soldiers, civilians, and children illegally taken by Russia. Remember them,” he told PACE delegates, stressing that Ukraine is defending not only its territory but also the fundamental values of humanity.
The session also featured appearances by recently released Ukrainian journalists Vladyslav Yesypenko and Dmytro Khilyuk. A representative of Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War called on European politicians to demand the immediate release of all Ukrainians unlawfully held by Russia.
The Václav Havel Human Rights Prize is awarded annually by PACE for outstanding achievements in defending human rights.
Butkevych was recognized for his long-standing work in human rights, civil society, and journalism, as well as his personal commitment to democratic values. Despite being known for his pacifist views, he voluntarily joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The award includes a diploma, a commemorative trophy, and a monetary prize of €60,000.