Ukraine war issues the focus of special event

Two international law experts will discuss the main issues surrounding the Russian invasion of Ukraine at a University of Reading event this week.

The ‘War in Ukraine’ event will feature two professors in the School of Law, talking about global governance, the use of force, humanitarian law and cyber operations.

The public event will take place in the JJ Thomson building on Whiteknights Campus from 5.30pm-6.30pm on Thursday 10 March.

Presenting will be Professor Rosa Freedman, a member of the UN Secretary-General's Civil Society Advisory Board on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, Specialist Adviser to the International Development Select Committee, and a member of the FCO Steering Committee on women, peace and security.

She will offer her insight into the task facing the UN and how it will respond to the actions of Russia, as well as the complicated situation facing those made homeless by the conflict.

Professor Schmitt is the Francis Lieber Distinguished Scholar at West Point, Distinguished Scholar at the University of Texas, Emeritus Professor at the US Naval War College, and a member of the US Secretary of State’s Advisory Committee on International Law.

He will discuss the international laws being considered by NATO countries as they attempt to strike a difficult balance between providing arms to Ukraine to aid its defence while maintaining neutrality so as not to escalate the war.

Russian troops invaded Ukraine on 22 February and several Ukrainian cities have suffered heavy shelling in the weeks since, with thousands of military and civilian casualties reported.

The invasion has brought international condemnation, and a number of sanctions have been placed on Russia. Many countries have also sought to welcome Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict.

To book at place, visit the University’s Events web page.