Following Olena's testimony, Dmytro Raiskyi, Director of Strategic Communications & Government Affairs at PR Army, joined experts from the Flemish Peace Institute to examine how Flanders and Belgium can strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and support mechanisms for survivors. The exchange focused on practical cooperation — from healthcare and trauma support to education, youth work, and local governance — highlighting the need for long-term, structured partnerships that place civilian victims at the centre of recovery efforts.

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Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) — 7 November
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At ULB, the Unseen Civilians series continued with a dedicated session titled “Surviving Russian Captivity – Torture, Manipulation, and Abuse.” Students, academics, and members of the public heard Olena Yahupova’s full testimony, delivered with the support of simultaneous interpretation. Her story brought the human impact of Russia’s war into an academic setting, prompting a deeper reflection on accountability, justice, and the responsibilities of European societies.

The discussion featured contributions from Dmytro Raiskyi, who outlined the systemic nature of abuses in Russian detention facilities and the urgent need for coordinated European action to protect and support civilian survivors. Participants explored how universities, research institutions, and civil society can contribute to documenting violations, supporting rehabilitation, and ensuring that these crimes remain visible in public debate.

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These events were made possible through the partnership of the Flemish Peace Institute and Université libre de Bruxelles. The Unseen Civilians programme is supported by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Kyiv and implemented in cooperation with Common Sense Communications.

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