Victoria Matola

Watchers Editor-in-chief

Ukrainian journalist and editor with more than ten years experience reporting on Ukrainian politics, the judicial system and law enforcement agencies. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Victoria has focused on war crimes and the court processes which surround them.

Stories by the Author

Women carry a giant Ukrainian flag as they walk to the cemetery during the joint military funerals for Volodymyr Semenyuk, 43, and his military comrade Serhiy Voytenko, 53, on February 24, 2025 in Fastiv, Ukraine. The same day marks three years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Russian forces continuing to make slow but steady gains across Ukraine's eastern front.

Women carry a giant Ukrainian flag as they walk to the cemetery during the joint military funerals for Volodymyr Semenyuk, 43, and his military comrade Serhiy Voytenko, 53, on February 24, 2025 in Fastiv, Ukraine. The same day marks three years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Russian forces continuing to make slow but steady gains across Ukraine's eastern front. © Paula Bronstein/Getty Images

How Ukraine is Implementing Transitional Justice

Broad range of measures are needed to hold perpetrators accountable, support survivors and establish historical truth.

9 Sep 25

The overgrown playground of the Kherson Children's orphanage where Russian forces allegedly took 46 children from, is seen on November 27, 2022 in Kherson, Ukraine.

The overgrown playground of the Kherson Children's orphanage where Russian forces allegedly took 46 children from, is seen on November 27, 2022 in Kherson, Ukraine. © Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Will a European Ruling Help Bring Ukrainian Children Home?

“Russia is trying to trade their return for politically advantageous concessions.”

26 Aug 25

A destroyed Russian tank lies on the roadside in Izyum, Ukraine. The Ukrainian government believes that over 1,000 civilian residents were killed during the Russian occupation of Izium.

A destroyed Russian tank lies on the roadside in Izyum, Ukraine. The Ukrainian government believes that over 1,000 civilian residents were killed during the Russian occupation of Izium. © Carl Court/Getty Images

Ukraine Lays Groundwork for Special Tribunal on Russian Aggression

Despite significant progress, experts note that it may take years for the court to begin work.

18 Aug 25

Interpol flag.

Interpol flag. © Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Ukraine Welcomes Interpol Policy Change

International search warrants could now be issued for suspected war criminals.

25 Mar 25

A burnt Ukrainian tank on May 31, 2022 in Kolychivka, Ukraine. Chernihiv, northeast of Kyiv, was an early target of Russia's offensive after its Feb. 24 invasion.

A burnt Ukrainian tank on May 31, 2022 in Kolychivka, Ukraine. Chernihiv, northeast of Kyiv, was an early target of Russia's offensive after its Feb. 24 invasion. © Alexey Furman/Getty Images

Poland Explores Implementing Universal Jurisdiction

Legal principle deems certain crimes so grave that they are considered to be committed against the international community as a whole.

25 Feb 25

Up to 10 million applications are expected to be submitted to the International Register of Damages.

Up to 10 million applications are expected to be submitted to the International Register of Damages. © Paula Bronstein /Getty Images

Ukraine: Compensating Survivors of War Crimes

Up to 10 million applications are expected to be submitted to the International Register of Damages.

24 Jan 25

A woman leaves the offices of the Ukrainian General Prosecutor in Kiev, Ukraine.

A woman leaves the offices of the Ukrainian General Prosecutor in Kiev, Ukraine. © Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Ukraine: Fighting Judicial Corruption in Wartime

Strenuous efforts continue to address long-time situation in which judges were elected with no competition or integrity checks.

15 Jun 23

Forensic police exhume bodies from unidentified makeshift graves at the Pishanske cemetery on September 23, 2022 in Izium, Ukraine. A total of 447 bodies was exhumed from the gravesite, including 22 soldiers and 5 children, and the bodies will be examined for possible war crimes.

Forensic police exhume bodies from unidentified makeshift graves at the Pishanske cemetery on September 23, 2022 in Izium, Ukraine. A total of 447 bodies was exhumed from the gravesite, including 22 soldiers and 5 children, and the bodies will be examined for possible war crimes. © Paula Bronstein/Getty Images

Ukraine: Prosecuting War Crimes in Civilian Courts

Are such trials compatible with international humanitarian law?

16 May 23

A woman leaves the offices of the Ukrainian General Prosecutor in Kiev, Ukraine.

A woman leaves the offices of the Ukrainian General Prosecutor in Kiev, Ukraine. © Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Influx of Cases Presents Huge Challenge for Ukraine’s Judges

Judicial practice needs to be formulated to meet urgent demands of unprecedented situation.

2 May 23

A police officer passes under a cordon at a school that was hit by a Russian missile in an overnight attack on Mykolaiv, Ukraine.

A police officer passes under a cordon at a school that was hit by a Russian missile in an overnight attack on Mykolaiv, Ukraine. © Carl Court/Getty Images

Ukraine: Justice in Absentia

Process seen as problematic in many jurisdictions, given the difficulties in allowing defendant their full rights.

11 Apr 23

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