It is with great pride that I write to share my congratulations to Dr Mark Ellis on the significant honour recently conferred upon him by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in recognition of Mark's outstanding contribution to international law and justice. Mark was presented with the award on 6 May 2026 by Iryna Mudra, President Zelenskyy's Deputy Head of Office.
Achievements of this magnitude are never realised in isolation. This recognition reflects not only Mark's longstanding personal commitment and leadership, but also the collective strength, expertise and dedication of the International Bar Association (IBA) and its committees. Mark has consistently brought, and continues to bring, the IBA's committees into important Ukraine-related initiatives and global conversations, including advocating for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, for which the IBA, together with the Council of Europe, is one of the main sponsors.
We are reminded that the IBA itself was created at the end of the Second World War after egregious acts of aggression. The principled advocacy and willingness of IBA members to contribute their time and knowledge in the spirit of engagement has been central to advancing the rule of law, human rights and international justice, all recognised by Ukraine's Head of State.
