Ukraine’s Future, Europe’s Security: Rule of Law, Reform, and EU Integration During Wartime with Oksana Tsymbrivska

In this episode of Lawyering Peace, Dr. Paul Williams speaks with Oksana Tsymbrivska, Team Leader of the European Union's flagship Pravo-Justice project in Ukraine, about how Ukraine is advancing toward EU membership while fighting a full-scale war. Oksana explains why accession is about far more than economics. It is a transformative process centered on judicial independence, accountable institutions, anti-corruption reforms, and the rule of law. She discusses how Russia's invasion accelerated Ukraine's European integration, turning reform into both a national priority and a foundation for long-term security. The conversation explores the challenge of implementing sweeping legal reforms during wartime, the resilience of Ukraine's justice system, and why strong institutions are essential not only for EU membership but also for building a durable peace and strengthening Europe's future security.