STRASBOURG, June 16, 2025
Ukrainian Delegates Walk Out
Delegates protested teh presence of Dasha Navalnaya, daughter of the late Alexei Navalny, at the European Youth Event, citing Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
- Ukrainian delegates walked out of the European Youth Event in Strasbourg over Dasha Navalnaya’s participation.
- They were protesting the inclusion of Russian speakers, given the absence of Ukrainian voices.
- The delegates plan to bring their concerns to the European Parliament.
In a striking display of solidarity, Ukrainian delegates at the European Youth Event in Strasbourg staged a walkout after a speech by Dasha Navalnaya, daughter of the deceased Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. The event, held at the European Parliament, took place June 13-14. The crux of their protest centered around Navalnaya’s appearance as a key speaker, which the Ukrainian delegates considered “insulting” given Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine.
did you know?-The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is an annual award given by the European Parliament. It honors individuals adn groups who have dedicated their lives to the defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
A Complex Situation
the walkout occurred despite the fact that Alexei Navalny was a prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Navalny died in an Arctic prison in 2024, and numerous officials, including Latvian President edgars Rinkēvičs, have accused the Kremlin of murdering him. Dasha Navalnaya, a 23-year-old Stanford University graduate, is also a vocal critic of Putin. Her mother, yulia Navalnaya, has vowed to continue Alexei’s work.
Даша @Dasha_Navalnaya сегодня выступила в Европарламенте на конференции European Youth Event с речью о свободе слова. На эту панель пришло больше всего участников, а в конце Дашу приветствовали стоячей овацией pic.twitter.com/6r7sQApvUr
– Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) June 14,2025
The Ukrainian delegation,including representatives from Lviv,left the event after discovering that Navalnaya would be a main speaker. A Russian lawyer, Vyacheslav Samonov, also spoke at the event. The Ukrainian delegates expressed outrage at the inclusion of Russian speakers, while Ukraine was not granted similar participation, despite lviv holding the title of European Youth Capital this year. They criticized the lack of openness from event organizers.
Reader question:-How can international organizations balance freedom of speech with the need to avoid platforming individuals or groups that might potentially be perceived as supporting aggression or human rights abuses?
What They Said
Members of the Ukrainian delegation,Solomiya Koval,Taya Mamchak and Daryna Pidlubna,stated,”We learned about [Navalnaya’s] speech only once in the hall. There was no advance warning. She spoke about human rights, freedom of speech and language, while russia destroys those very rights in Ukraine every day. We come from a country that is under attack every day. Our peers are dying on the front. And to see the Russians playing a key role in the European Parliament is insulting to us and our struggle.”
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said, “I do not know what Ukrainians have done to deserve this, where in one part of Europe our youth must defend their country and die for their homeland, while in another they are expected to participate equally with Russians and listen to a keynote speech from a Russian. We will send an official letter to the head of the European Parliament. Ukrainian youth must be heard.”
What’s Next
The Ukrainian delegation intends to send a formal letter to the President of the European Parliament.
Impact and Reactions
The Ukrainian delegation’s actions reverberated throughout the event. Their walkout underscored the delicate balance international forums must strike when addressing complex geopolitical situations. The situation highlights the challenges of maintaining open dialogues while acknowledging ongoing conflicts and sensitivities. this incident also brought into sharp focus the varying perspectives on figures associated with Russia.
I support the Ukrainian delegates at the European Youth Event who walked out of the event to show their protest regarding the inclusion of Dasha Navalnaya as a speaker during the conflict.🇺🇦 stand with Ukraine! 💫🇷🇱
– Inna Sovsun (@InnaSovsun) June 14, 2025
Several individuals and organizations voiced their opinions on the matter.Some, like Ukrainian politician Inna Sovsun, supported the delegates’ decision, expressing solidarity with Ukraine. Others, though, defended Navalnaya’s right to speak, citing her father’s legacy as a pro-democracy voice. This diverse range of reactions showcases the difficulty in finding common ground on issues involving Russia and Ukraine.
Reader question:-Why is it vital to hear from both sides of a conflict, and what are the potential downfalls of doing so?
The Role of the European Youth Event
The european Youth Event, designed to bring young people together to discuss pressing European issues, became a microcosm of broader international tensions. The event’s organizers faced criticism for allegedly failing to adequately consider the sensitivities surrounding the ukraine-Russia conflict. By not including more Ukrainian voices and giving a platform to a Russian speaker, the event contradicted its core mission of promoting dialog.
This incident also brings up questions about the standards for speaker selection at international events. What criteria should be used? How can organizers ensure that all perspectives are represented fairly? The answers are not simple, especially given the rapid pace of international events coupled with evolving political climates.
Looking Ahead: The Path to dialogue
As the Ukrainian delegation prepares to send a formal letter to the European Parliament, the focus is now on the response and possible actions. The Parliament will have to address the concerns raised by the delegates and clarify its position on the matter. This could led to changes in how speakers are selected or how future events are organized.
To ensure balanced representation and avoid similar conflicts in the future, organizers might consider the following:
- Increased consultation with affected parties.
- more rigorous vetting of speakers.
- Ensuring equal opportunities for all voices.
- Providing clear explanations for speaker selection.
The walkout at the European Youth Event serves as a potent reminder of the importance of inclusivity, sensitivity, and open communication. While a complex situation, the event’s ultimate lesson is clear: International forums must strive to find common ground while acknowledging and respecting the vrey real pain and suffering of those directly affected by war.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the european Youth Event?
A: The European Youth Event is a platform organized by the European Parliament that brings young people together to discuss and debate critically important European issues.
Q: Why did the Ukrainian delegates walk out of the event?
A: Thay protested the inclusion of Dasha Navalnaya as a speaker, citing her Russian background and the lack of similar representation for Ukrainian voices.
Q: What will happen next?
A: The ukrainian delegation plans to send a formal letter to the President of the European Parliament, and the Parliament is expected to respond and potentially review its policies.
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