Embarking on a journey

Twelve years ago, I decided to give up a lucrative position with a top international law firm in Washington, and move my young family from a comfortable suburban American life, back to our native Ukraine to take part in the promise of its newfound freedom. In 2004, I saw this promise being fulfilled when my countrymen spontaneously filled the frigid Kyiv streets and peacefully overturned a fraudulent election. What many participants of the Orange Revolution did not realize at the time is that they were protesting not only one election, but an entire political system that is completely at odds with the European values that the vast majority of Ukrainians adhere to. Although we managed to secure a fair and historic election, the system that allowed for a rigged election to occur in the first place, has remained largely the same in form and substance. Until this fundamental fact changes, we can expect nothing more than further corruption, ineptitude and self-serving narrow-minded politicians.

Like so many of my countrymen, I feel cornered by the seemingly endless black hole of corruption that exists today. I can submit, fight or flee. I have chosen to fight. My only motivation is to serve my people and my goal is to transform Ukraine into a modern European democracy, where all branches of government are held to the highest standards of service to people. This is a great challenge and the only way to achieve that is to awaken the nation and to have them make their conscious choices. Since Ukrainians have risen to the challenge before, I am certain they will again.

To the countless millions of Ukraine’s sincere friends around the world who share our values and dreams, although it is we Ukrainians who must change our country, I welcome any ideas or comments you may have.

Mykola Vashchuk, coordinator of the All-Ukrainian network of independent attorneys “Samozahyst” and Stanislav Kovtun, attorney of the network in Dnepropetrovsk broadcast on Dnepropetrovsk television (“The 51st channel”)

Oleg Riabokon’s speech at the “Refinement of the country via the refinement of the Constitution” round table

Oleg Riabokon Speech at the Founding Congress of the All-Ukrainian NGO “Civil Rights’ Movement of Oleg Riabokon”

Interview at Pershiy Diloviy channel on the day of the 1st Round of Presidential elections

Official TV speech

Character Reference / Recommendation Recordings