On behalf of the Ukrainian Bar Association, I would like to extend my deep appreciation for your continued commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights. Your dedication to justice in times of crisis is invaluable and supporting various humanitarian initiatives, are truly commendable.

For more than 20 years, the UBA has played a leading role in strengthening Ukraine’s legal profession, ensuring judicial independence, and upholding democratic values.

Today, the Association unites over 8,000 legal professionals, including attorneys, judges, prosecutors, and legal scholars, working tirelessly to safeguard justice in Ukraine.

At this critical moment, our work is under threat. The recent suspension of USAID funding has placed significant financial strain on the UBA, jeopardizing the continuation of key initiatives that are fundamental to Ukraine’s legal system and its international obligations.

Without urgent institutional support, vital programs that contribute to war crimes accountability, legal aid for civilians, reform efforts, and the promotion of ethical standards in the legal profession may face disruption.

UBA’s Essential Work in Ukraine’s Legal Sector

As the largest and most influential legal association in Ukraine, the UBA is at the forefront of:

• monitoring war crimes trials to ensure adherence to international legal standards and judicial integrity;
• providing free legal aid to displaced persons, war crime victims, and civilians affected by Russia’s aggression;
• leading reform initiatives that strengthen legal institutions and improve access to justice;
• advocating for the establishment of a Special Tribunal on Aggression, working closely with international legal bodies such as the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA);
• promoting ethical standards in the legal profession, including the development of ethical guidelines, self-regulation mechanisms, and initiatives to enhance professional integrity within the legal market;
• training and strengthening Ukraine’s legal community, with over 250 events, expert discussions, and educational initiatives conducted annually.

Urgent Need for Institutional Support

Support can be provided in one of the following ways:

• A financial contribution to sustain the UBA’s institutional capacity and ensure the uninterrupted implementation of key projects. You can make a contribution via this link.
• Participation in the UBA International Partnership Program,  engaging in long-term collaboration with Ukraine’s legal community while gaining prominent recognition and participation in strategic initiatives.

To maintain transparency and accountability, UBA financial reports and outputs are public.

Impact of Your Support

With this assistance, the UBA will:

• continue monitoring over 300 judicial hearings in cases under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (‘War Crimes’) in the next three months;
• analyse all judicial verdicts delivered under Article 438 of the CCU;
• analyse a representative sample of verdicts delivered in cases concerning national security, selected based on temporal and regional criteria to ensure a comprehensive and balanced assessment of trends and challenges;
• provide over 300 free legal consultations to civilians affected by the war;
• expand the promotion of ethical standards in the legal market, ensuring accountability and professionalism in the sector.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and explore potential avenues for cooperation. Please let us know a suitable time for a call or meeting. We will be pleased to provide any additional details, including financial breakdowns or project documentation, if required.

Support at this defining moment will directly contribute to the protection of the rule of law in Ukraine and the pursuit of justice on a global scale.

Please do not hesitate to reach out should you require any further information.

Sincerely,

Mykola Stetsenko,

UBA President