Mykhailo Smyshliaiev, a member of Lincoln’s Ukrainian community, carries the Ukraine flag to the stage before he spoke at the “Stand with Ukraine” event in the Nebraska Union on March 1.
Organized by Łukasz Niparko, a graduate student in political science, the event featured a panel discussion about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It examined the attacks through a variety of perspectives, including international law history and regional viewpoints. Campus experts who participated in the discussion included faculty Courtney Hillebrecht, Gerald Steinacher, Olha Tytarenko, Hana Waisserova and Regina Werum.
Per a report by Omaha’s KETV, the event opened with sobering news from Smyshliaiev, who is from southern Ukraine.
“Just a few hours ago, enemies entered my city,” Smyshliaiev said.
More than 120 attended the event, which was held in the Nebraska Union Ballroom. Learn more about the discussion in coverage from KETV and the Daily Nebraskan.