WASHINGTON – Oleh Sentsov, acclaimed Ukrainian filmmaker and political prisoner, addressed the human rights situation in Crimea during an event at Georgetown University on January 27.
“Putin’s objective is not Crimea, Donbas or Ukraine per se; it’s a sphere of influence with all of the former Soviet Union, at a minimum,” said Mr. Sentsov, speaking through a translator. “He’s punishing those countries trying to leave the zone of influence.”
Ambassador Melanne Verveer opened the discussion, which was moderated by former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and Russia John Tefft. The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, PEN America, the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, and Georgetown University’s Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies co-hosted the event.