In his opening remarks, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Valeriy Chaly emphasized the importance of the film for informing the international community about the events that preceded and took place during the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine, as well as further steps undertaken by the Russian Federation in its illegal attempt to annex Crimea and incite the ongoing war in Donbas.
Valeriy Chaly reminded the audience about the 73rd anniversary of the forcible deportation of the Crimean Tatars committed by the Stalin totalitarian regime – the tragic date commemorated on May 18th. In this regard, he drew attention to the mass violations of human rights and the ongoing repressions against the Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians and representatives of other than Russian nationalities, which are taking place under the Russian occupying authorities in Crimea. The Ambassador of Ukraine called on the international community to increase the pressure on the Russian Federation to force it to give up its attempts to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Director and Producer of the film Mark Jonathan Harris, former U.S. Ambassadors to Ukraine William Taylor and William Miller participated in the panel discussion during the public event.