Photo: Oleksandr Butkevych
"The greatest danger in captivity is losing a part of yourself. I tried to understand what I could take away from this experience, something that might later help me better support others." These are the words of Maksym Butkevych, a Ukrainian civic activist, human rights defender, journalist, and, since February 2022, a service member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, from one of his first interviews after being freed from Russian captivity. He was released on October 18, 2024, during the 58th prisoner exchange.
Maksym spent over two years in captivity. Russia fabricated a criminal case against him. In March 2023, an illegal ‘court’ in the temporarily occupied part of Luhansk oblast sentenced him to 13 years in a colony, a verdict upheld by the Russian Supreme Court a year later. Yet, even under torture, Maksym never lost his faith in Ukraine and its people. His story is a testament to resilience, humanity, and the strength of spirit that enabled him to endure the most severe trials.
At the XIII Civil Society Development Forum (with)STAND, Maksym Butkevych will deliver the keynote speech and remind us that even in the most challenging circumstances, one can find the strength to fight for identity, faith, and freedom.
Join the Forum to hear Maksym Butkevych's story about preserving a sense of self and humanity, even in the hardest times. Register for the Forum. Registration is open until 6:00 PM on November 22.
