In March 2023, a lecture was delivered at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, focusing on freedom in wartime Ukraine. The discussion stemmed from a conference held in 2014 as the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. The speaker emphasized the importance of thinking together about freedom during conflicts, breaking down the concept into aspects like speech, risk, obligation, and security.
The lecture highlighted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s actions during the invasion, specifically his choice to stay in Kyiv and the risks he took to speak truth to power. It addressed the misconceptions around freedom of speech, emphasizing the need for meaningful speech and the risks associated with speaking truthfully in oppressive environments.
The dialogue explored the idea that freedom and democracy require taking risks, challenging assumptions of inevitability, and the importance of valuing freedom through active engagement with values and choices. The article showcases how Zelensky’s actions embody these principles, offering a unique perspective on freedom and personal agency in the face of conflict.
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