Alex Drueke reveals Russia's war crimes against Ukraine
- A press conference was held on April 9, 2025, at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C.
- Speakers at the event shared firsthand accounts of atrocities and war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.
- The conference called for a stronger U.S. response to Russia's actions and highlighted the implications for U.S. foreign policy.
In April 2025, a press conference titled 'Vladimir Putin – World's Number One Terrorist: Implications for U.S. Policy' took place at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. This event was co-sponsored by The Remembrance Society and the American Coalition for Ukraine, aiming to address the implications of Putin's actions in Ukraine for U.S. foreign policy. Various speakers shared their experiences and perspectives, detailing Putin’s responsibility for war crimes and human rights violations during the conflict. Kristina Olney, the founding executive director of The Remembrance Society, welcomed attendees including Congressman Don Ritter. As a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Ritter underscored the urgency of recognizing the true motives behind Putin's invasion of Ukraine, attributing it to the presence of free peoples rather than NATO encroachment. Ambassador James S. Gilmore III also spoke, highlighting the significance of individual human experiences, which contrasted sharply with the often cold statistics of conflict. Mykhaylyna Skoryk, former deputy mayor of Bucha City Council, recounted harrowing details of the atrocities witnessed by her, including the exhumation of bodies from a mass grave. Oleksandra Matviichuk shared insights into the Centre for Civil Liberties' documentation of over 80,000 Russian war crimes, emphasizing the impact of these crimes on individual lives with chilling anecdotes. Alex Drueke, a U.S. Army veteran, provided a personal account of his captivity in Ukraine, illustrating the harsh realities faced by many due to the ongoing war. The speakers at the conference articulated a grim view of Russia's future actions as well as the importance of international awareness and response. The event ultimately aimed to galvanize U.S. political discourse surrounding Ukraine, urging action against perceived Russian aggression. The painful testimonies provided underscored that ordinary lives are irrevocably changed due to the geopolitical struggles propelled by figures like Putin.