A special gathering took place at the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York, where the Ukrainian-American community met with the newly appointed Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations—Ambassador Andriy Melnyk, former Deputy Foreign Minister and Ambassador to Germany.
This was said Ukrainian Institute of America.
The event was opened by Katie Nalywaiko, Chair of the Institute’s Board of Directors, who introduced the diplomat to the community. Ambassador Melnyk, known for his firm stance in defending Ukraine’s interests, shared his first impressions of life in New York after relocating from Brazil and outlined five key priorities in his new role. He acknowledged the complexity of Ukraine’s position within the UN system, especially in light of Russia’s elevated influence as a permanent member of the Security Council. Він визнав складність позиції України в системі ООН, особливо на тлі посиленої ролі росії як постійного члена Ради Безпеки.
“Андрій Мельник поділився першими враженнями від Нью-Йорка – “Andriy Melnyk shared his first impressions of New York with his characteristic sense of humor. In the same spirit, he recalled his ‘undiplomatic diplomacy’ while serving as Ambassador to Germany—a style that sparked considerable media and political attention. His outspoken criticism of Berlin’s limited support during the early months of Russia’s full-scale invasion provoked active public debate. Bild described him as ‘a lion fighting for his country,’ while reporters from Germany’s ARD noted that without his public pressure and media presence, supplying weapons from Germany would have been far more difficult. Bild Ambassador Melnyk was pleased to highlight that today, Germany provides the most financial and military aid to Ukraine among European nations,”said Myroslava Rozdolska, director of the Ukrainian heritage school Nova Khvylka.
The ambassador placed special emphasis on the importance of cooperation with the Ukrainian diaspora.
“He gladly accepted my invitation to visit the Nova Khvylka Ukrainian heritage school,” Rozdolska added.
Among the guests were representatives of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) and the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations (WFUWO) at the United Nations, including Aila Bakkalli, Zoryana Holovata, Oksana Konyk, Irena Yarosevych, Sofika Zelyk, and others.
“Ambassador Melnyk—a seasoned, charismatic, and knowledgeable diplomat—leads Ukraine’s mission to the UN at a challenging time. While the organization overall continues to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression, new challenges lie ahead: among them are the rapid and unexpected shifts in U.S. policy toward the UN and Ukraine, the evolving dynamics within NATO, and Russia’s relentless, even intensified, aggression,” emphasized Irena Yarosevych, Main Representative of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations to the UN Department of Global Communications/Civil Society Unit.
As part of the event, Sofika Zelyk, head of WFUWO’s Cultural Committee, presented the exhibition “Pysanka: Symbol of Hope,” created in partnership with the Ukrainian Institute of America. The collection of batik-style pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs) is planned to be transferred to Ukraine after the war ends.
The Ukrainian Institute of America expressed gratitude to Ambassador Melnyk for his sincerity and openness.
“His remarks resonated deeply, and the warm welcome reflected our shared commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s voice is heard on the global stage. We look forward to continuing to support the vital work of Ukraine’s Mission to the United Nations,” the Institute concluded.
