On September 22-25, 2024, the fifth Ukraine Action Summit, organized by the American Coalition for Ukraine (ACU), took place in Washington, DC. The event brought together more than 500 delegates from 45 states who met with congressmen and senators to advocate for increased support for Ukraine. The main topics of the summit were the continuation of military and humanitarian aid, as well as the adoption of new laws that will facilitate long-term cooperation between Ukraine and the United States.
Advocacy for Ukraine
During the event, leaders of the Ukrainian community emphasized the need to maintain bipartisan support for Ukraine amid the congressional elections and the upcoming presidential race in the United States.
We are here to remind our Congressmen and Senators of the importance of supporting Ukraine not only now, but for the future. The legislation we are asking you to support will help cement the cooperation between the United States and Ukraine for the next ten years, which is critical to regional security and global stability." — заявила голова правління Американської коаліції за Україну Маріянна Третяк під час свого виступу на Саміті.
Long-term partnership
The summit participants also drew attention to Ukraine's strategic importance for global stability, emphasizing the need for long-term support for its sovereignty. The priority of the advocacy campaign was a new draft law providing Ukraine with permanent military and humanitarian assistance for a period of at least ten years.
«Цього року ми побачили нову хвилю підтримки з боку американців, які не мають українського походження. Це люди, які усвідомлюють важливість української перемоги для всієї демократичної спільноти. Їхні голоси мають особливу вагу під час наших зустрічей з конгресменами, адже вони відображають погляди широких верств американського суспільства», – зауважила Маріянна Третяк.
Strategic support
Also, after the November elections, Ukrainian community leaders expect the Biden administration to formally request another supplemental appropriations package to support Ukraine's defense through 2025.
In addition to discussing legislative initiatives, the summit participants also called on congressmen and senators to more actively counter Russian propaganda, which is increasingly becoming a tool for influencing public opinion in the United States. This problem was discussed at almost all meetings in the Capitol.
Countering Russian propaganda
Another equally important topic is the transfer of frozen Russian assets to the Ukraine Support Fund. The ACU, in particular, reminded that back in April, Congress passed a law on repurchase agreements, but the Biden administration has not yet transferred billions of Russian state assets to the relevant Fund to ensure that Putin, not American taxpayers, will bear the brunt of Ukraine's reconstruction.
Main achievements of the summit
The Ukraine Action Summit 2024 was an important step in strengthening support for Ukraine in the international arena, demonstrating the deep commitment of American society to the Ukrainian people and their struggle for freedom and independence.
The event resulted in more than 400 meetings with congressmen and senators, discussions on key issues of military and humanitarian assistance, and the launch of an advocacy campaign for a new bill that would ensure a long-term partnership between the United States and Ukraine.
In addition, the summit raised awareness among Americans about the need to counter Russian propaganda, which was an important step in strengthening democracy.
For reference
The American Coalition for Ukraine (ACU) is an alliance of more than 100 organizations in the United States that combines efforts and resources to support Ukraine in its defense of the universal values of freedom and human dignity. ACU was founded in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since its inception, ACU has brought more than 2,000 constituents to Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional leaders and tell them why a victory for Ukraine is important to them and their communities.
Lukian Selskyi