A ceremonial reception was held in the US capital to mark the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in the US in cooperation with Ukraine House and the US-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC). The event brought together over 500 guests, including congressmen, representatives of the US Administration, diplomats, business, international financial institutions and the Ukrainian community.
This was reported by the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Embassy of Ukraine in the USA and Ukraine House.
The event was reportedly held at Ukraine House in Washington on September 10. Among the honored guests were Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso, DFC Investment Manager Conor Coleman, USUBC Chairman Eric Luhmann, members of Congress and representatives of the Ukrainian community. The event was moderated by Ruslan Falkov and Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Philadelphia Iryna Mazur.
“We are deeply grateful to our American friends for standing with us, supporting our sovereignty, and defending our shared values of democracy and dignity,” said Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova in her speech.
The evening’s program included performances of the Ukrainian and U.S. anthems by the Malvy Band, live music by Gerdan, an exhibition of works by Ukrainian artists Oleg Denysenko, Volodymyr Radko, and Vladyslav Shereshevsky, and a feast of Ukrainian cuisine.
A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of the USUBC Honorary Award to former Ambassador Oksana Markarova for “outstanding service, active engagement of the U.S. private sector, unwavering support for our members, and deep partnership,” the organization said.
“We, the Ukrainian community, express our deep gratitude and appreciation to Ambassador Oksana Markarova for her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine’s Victory. As her term comes to an end, we honor her distinguished service and dedication to strengthening ties between Ukraine and the United States,” said Olena Oliynyk, President of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation.
During the opening remarks, USUBC Executive Committee Chair Eric Luhmann (Amsted Rail) spoke on behalf of USUBC, reflecting on Ukraine’s resilience. He recalled that “the purpose, urgency, and necessity of developing U.S.-Ukraine commercial, trade, and investment relations cannot be underestimated.”
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser stressed that the city “stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the fight for freedom,” and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development President Odile Renaud-Basso noted that over the past decades, Ukraine has built strong institutions, a vibrant economy, and a free society.
“The EBRD, together with the United States and international partners, remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s recovery, prosperity, and independence,” concluded Odile Renaud-Basso.
Conor Coleman, Head of Investments at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, emphasized that the partnership with Ukraine has grown into one of the corporation’s largest portfolios.
“Through initiatives like the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Fund, we are investing not only financially, we are investing in stability, resilience, and long-term prosperity,” he says.
The event also became Markarova’s informal farewell to the diplomatic community before the end of her term and the transfer of powers to the new Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna.
“This evening was also an opportunity to thank the Ukrainian community, our American friends and international partners, everyone who supported and continues to support Ukraine over the years of close and effective cooperation. And, of course, to call on everyone to continue and strengthen work on the formula for Ukrainian success – weapons and assistance to Ukraine, sanctions and isolation – for the aggressor,” Oksana Markarova emphasized in her final speech.
Photo: Ukraine House
Author: Inna Mikhno