The Australian National University (ANU) community and Australians will have the rare opportunity to hear from His Excellency Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, in a sold-out address next Wednesday 3 August.
President Zelenskyy will speak live via video link from Ukraine. His address will be broadcast at an in-person event at Llewellyn Hall.
The event, to be officially opened by ANU Chancellor and former Australian foreign minister the Hon Julie Bishop, will also feature a Q&A session between the President and students. Head of the National Security College at ANU, Professor Rory Medcalf, will close the event.
Nearly six months since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Zlenskyy will share his experiences as a world leader navigating the realities of war.
"Russia's invasion of Ukraine threatens the peace, liberty and democracy on which freedom of inquiry and academic collaboration is based," ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt said.
"That's why ANU released a statement in March strongly condemning this act of war and its fundamental breaches of international law and the UN Charter. The University has suspended ties and activities with Russian institutions.
"ANU stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their defence of sovereignty and freedom.
"President Zelenskyy continues to inspire the world through his leadership and service to his country.
"We are incredibly grateful to have President Zelenskyy share his time and thoughts with our community."
The event is presented by the ANU Centre for European Studies, the ANU National Security College and the Embassy of Ukraine in Australia.
A recording of the address will be available shortly after the event.
