Delegates from all 50 states have gathered in the US capital to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom. The sixth Ukraine Action Summit, a major advocacy summit in support of Ukraine, is underway in Washington, D.C., bringing together more than 600 activists, representatives of the Ukrainian community, and American allies from across the country. This is the largest delegation of Americans and the Ukrainian community in the history of the Summit. Це найбільша в історії Саміту делегація американців і української громади.
Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, traditionally opened the Summit with words of gratitude. She stressed that Ukrainians seek peace, but not at any price, but through justice and victory over the aggressor.
"It is a great joy for me to see so many Ukrainians here in this room - by the call of their hearts, by their own choice," emphasized Ambassador Markarova during the opening, adding,"No one wants peace more than Ukrainians, and unfortunately, three years of genocidal Russian aggression and daily crimes show the true face of Russia and the Axis of Evil and who exactly does not want peace“.
Steve Moore, president of the Ukraine Freedom Project and executive producer of the documentary Faith Under Siege, also spoke. His speech emphasised the importance of a united struggle for the freedom, dignity and rights of religious communities currently suffering persecution in the occupied territories.
Speaking at the opening of the 6th Ukraine Action Summit in Washington, D.C., Maryna Baidyuk, President of United Help Ukraine, said saidAmerican interest in the situation in Ukraine is growing. According to her, in recent weeks there has been a significant increase - three to four times - in donations and calls from US citizens to help Ukrainians.
"We have tremendous support from ordinary Americans. But our mission is to convey the importance of helping Ukraine to those who make decisions on Capitol Hill," the head of the organisation emphasised.
For example, United Help Ukraine, as one of the largest Ukrainian philanthropic initiatives in the United States, has provided about $75 million in aid to Ukraine since 2014 in more than 10 years of operation.
Summit participants are actively sharing on social media that the atmosphere in the Capitol is filled with the energy of cooperation. Delegations from each state are preparing to lobby members of Congress, including representatives from the Republican Party.
"Working for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine means building a stronger, safer America. When we stand strong, we send a clear message to adversaries like Russia, China and Iran," said Iryna Petrovska Marchiano, co-founder of the volunteer organisation HTX4Ukraine.
Volunteers, military chaplains, veterans and civil activists are also holding practical sessions and sharing stories of support and resistance.
Until 9 April, participants will meet with members of Congress and the Senate to urge them to extend military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
They will also deliver key messages about Russia's crimes against humanity, the return of abducted Ukrainian children and the release of prisoners, the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia and to bring the aggressor to justice for war crimes. The programme also includes speeches by civil society activists, documentaries on the events in Ukraine and an exchange of experiences.
The Ukraine Action Summit is organised by the American Coalition for Ukraine, a coalition of more than 100 Ukrainian and American civil society organisations.
Author: Inna Mikhno