Faculty at The University of Toledo College of Arts and Letters will host a community discussion about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and help answer questions about the crisis.

The public is invited to the free program titled “Perspectives on the Ukraine Crisis” 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, at Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Main Library, 325 Michigan St.

Speakers include Dr. Joel Voss, an associate professor of political science whose research focuses on the development of international human rights norms and international human rights law, and Dr. Barry Jackisch, director of the Roger Ray Institute for the Humanities and visiting associate professor of history.

“The invasion of Ukraine by Russia will likely change the geopolitical and security makeup of not only Europe but the entire world,” said Voss, who has published widely on human rights across Europe. “Although not settled, the outcomes and implications of this invasion will impact not only European security but also the lives of millions of Ukrainians, potentially the domestic politics of neighboring states and the global economy. This invasion will likely be one of the most significant international acts of our lives.”

“Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine evokes memories of the widespread death and destruction that plagued Europe in World War II,” said Jackisch, who focuses his research and teaching on Central and Eastern Europe with a particular interest in the relationship between war and genocide in the 20th century. “As we witness the Ukraine crisis unfold before our very eyes, we must explore how this terrible invasion came to be and what it means for international relations and world peace.”

The forum will focus on the latest events, disinformation being deployed and the stakes for the global economy and the international commitment to rule of law.