A landmark event took place in Washington, D.C. - the presentation of the book "Looking at Women Looking at War" by the late Ukrainian writer and war crimes documentarian Victoria Amelina. The event brought together diplomats, writers, human rights activists and friends of the author to honor her memory and emphasize the importance of her work in the struggle for truth and justice.
This was reported by Ukraine House.
"When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, writer Viktoria Amelina began researching war crimes, documenting the destruction and recording the testimonies of survivors. On June 27, 2023, she was mortally wounded in a Russian missile attack on Kramatorsk; she died a few days later at the age of thirty-seven. Her final book remains a powerful testimony to the human cost of war that continues to resonate," event organizers said.
"Looking at Women Looking at War" by Victoria Amelina has already been released on the American book market. The book was completed and published with a foreword by world-renowned author Margaret Atwood.
"This is not just a literary work - it is a powerful document of the period, telling about the courage, determination and indomitable spirit of Ukrainian women during the war. The book follows the paths of women who documented war crimes - journalists, writers, human rights activists, lawyers and volunteers who do not allow the world to forget the truth," - noted in the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.
During the event, Tetyana Teren, a board member of PEN Ukraine and a close friend of Viktoria's, shared her memories of her indomitable spirit and fight for justice.
"Vika did not plan to publish this book in Ukraine. Both because she was writing it for a foreign audience (and therefore in English). And because she did not want to re-traumatize Ukrainian society during the war. Eventually, Vika's family considered translating the book into Ukrainian, but their position coincided with Vika's: the book will not be published until the war is over. The idea for this book appeared in the spring of 2022 - the first trip to Kyiv and meetings with friends after the de-occupation of the Kyiv region, the tragedy at the Kramatorsk railway station, the first training on documenting war crimes by Truth Hounds, a trip to Kharkiv with PEN in June 2022, meeting Oleksandra Matviychuk - all these events helped Vika realize what her topic, genre and new role would be," said Tetyana Teren.
The event was also attended by Victoria's husband, Alex Amelin, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Oksana Markarova. The discussion was moderated by Kateryna Smagliy.
"This is more than a book, it is a call to action - a reminder of the values we fight for every day, and that we must continue until we stop the horrific crimes of Russians who kill the best and destroy the most sacred. Until the Russian Federation is held accountable for all the lives lost," said Oksana Markarova.
The event ended with a minute of silence in memory of Victoria Amelina and all victims of Russian aggression. Participants emphasized that her legacy is not only in her book, but also in her tireless fight for truth and justice.
Author: Inna Mikhno