From: New Voice of Ukraine by Demian Shevko
As Russia’s full-scale invasion grinds into its fourth year, Ukraine’s push for justice is quietly gathering force—behind the front lines, in courtrooms and forensic labs, and within the country’s rapidly evolving legal system. Few understand that transformation better than Wayne Jordash KC, one of the world’s leading human rights lawyers and a key architect behind Ukraine’s war crimes prosecution strategy. In this interview, Jordash explains how Ukraine has overhauled its approach to atrocity investigations, why Russia’s sham trials of Ukrainian soldiers are themselves war crimes, and what still gives him hope in an age of rising authoritarianism.
Demian Shevko:
You’ve spent years working in some of the world’s most complex legal and human rights environments. What first motivated you to pursue a career in international humanitarian and human rights law?
Wayne Jordash: Honestly, it was the desire to see the world in all its complexity—its virtues and its flaws. Working in international criminal law gives you a front-row seat to both.
Yes, you travel extensively, but more importantly, you witness the best and worst of human nature—and everything in between. I’ve always found that gray area especially fascinating.
Voice of Ukraine 