Rating of Focus "Ukrainian of the Year": Maxim Butkevich, who was in captivity of the Russian Federation for more than two years

As a co -founder of the ZMINA and Public Radio Center, Butkevich gave himself not only journalism, but also cultural activity aimed at education and raising awareness of citizens on important issues of human rights. As part of the rating of "Ukrainian of the Year" focus, the editorial staff introduces readers to its nominees. Maxim Butkevich was born in Ukraine, received education in the field of law and journalism.

Already at the beginning of his career, he actively participated in human rights activities, becoming a coordinator of the project "without borders", aimed at protecting the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. He also worked with international organizations, in particular at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Ukraine. An important stage in Butkevich's activity was the co -founding of the Zmina Human Rights Center.

The organization has become a platform for the promotion of human rights initiatives, as well as for monitoring human rights in Ukraine. In this context, Butkevich took an active position, organizing conferences, seminars and other measures that contributed to the level of public awareness of human rights. Journalism was one of the important directions of Butkevich's activity.

He was a co-founder of the Public Radio, where he worked as an editor and journalist, covering topics related to human rights, as well as socio-political problems that touched the life of Ukrainians. In addition, Butkevich was a participant and organizer of the Docudays UA International Documentary Film Festival, which became an important platform for discussing human rights issues through cinema.

Known for his lectures and human rights training, Butkevich worked with journalists, activists and representatives of the authorities. He has repeatedly advocated the introduction of ethics in the media, as well as for the importance of education in the language of hostility and human rights protection in conflict. After the start of a full -scale invasion of Russia in Ukraine in 2022, Butkevich decided to join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

His motive was not only to help in defense of the country, but also to leave his mark in the fight for human rights, in particular, to stop aggression, which, he said, violates the fundamental rights and freedoms of people. In June 2022, Butkevich was captured by Russian troops. This fact has caused great resonance among human rights organizations and journalists.

During his stay in captivity, Butkevich suffered physical and psychological torture, however, despite his pressure, he remained firmly convinced of his principles. In March 2023, on the basis of a fabricated case, Butkevich was sentenced to temporarily occupied territories up to 13 years of colony on charges of injury to civilians, which became part of the policy of persecution of Ukrainian activists and human rights activists.

However, even in such conditions, Butkevich did not lose his desire for truth, acting as a defender of human rights, even at the stage of captivity. On October 18, 2024, after long negotiations and exchange of prisoners of war, Maxim Butkevich was released and returned to Ukraine. After his release, he continued his human rights activities, actively working to support the rights of people who have been in similar situations, as well as increasing attention to important human rights issues.

Butkevich's release has become an important signal for human rights organizations and Ukrainian society as a whole, since it has become a symbol of stability and unbrokenness in the struggle for truth and justice. In addition, his case has drawn attention to the situation with the rights of prisoners and the importance of their protection in the international arena. Maxim Butkevich continues to remain an important figure in the human rights movement of Ukraine.

His contribution to the protection of human rights is not limited to his activities before war, but even after returning from captivity. He actively participates in events aimed at supporting prisoners and demand for their release. At the same time, it continues to emphasize the importance of investigating war crimes and prosecution of human rights violators. Earlier, the focus of the rating "Ukrainian of the Year" talked about the comedian Victor Rozovy, who volunteered for the war.