In Washington, a Ukrainian delegation from the state of Colorado joined hundreds of activists at the 7th Ukraine Action Summit, organized by the American Coalition for Ukraine. Participants met with congressmen and called on the US Congress to continue supporting Ukraine in the war against Russian aggression, and welcomed Senator Bennett’s initiative to protect Ukrainians in the United States under the “Uniting for Ukraine” (U4U) program.
This was reported in a public statement by the Ukrainians of Colorado, which is part of the American Coalition for Ukraine, which unites about 50 Ukrainian organizations across the country.
“The ten members of the Colorado delegation to the Ukraine Action Summit represent different segments of our state’s population. We are students and retirees, entrepreneurs and teachers, public and private sector employees,” said delegation leader Mark Dillen in a statement.
The delegation began a series of meetings in Congress to discuss the situation in Ukraine, including with Congressmen Jason Crow (CO-06) and Joe Negus (CO-02), and held a dialogue with Senators Michael Bennett and John Hickenlooper on continuing political, humanitarian, and defense support for Ukraine.
“We call for support for Ukraine based on our commitment to international law, respect for internationally recognized borders, and America’s history of supporting democracy. Ukraine is a nation of 40 million people in the heart of Europe, with an agricultural sector that feeds the world, and a powerful IT industry. By supporting Ukraine, we uphold our values and protect our own security,” Dillen emphasized.
The delegation paid particular attention to the initiative of Senator Michael Bennett, who, together with Senator Lisa Murkowski, sent a letter to the Trump administration demanding that Ukrainians who arrived in the United States under the U4U program remain in the country until the end of the war.
As the organization noted, since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 240,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the United States under the U4U program, gaining the opportunity to work legally, support their families, and contribute to local communities.
“Many Ukrainians who have built their lives and livelihoods now face the risk of losing these protections and possibly returning to Ukraine. This uncertainty creates difficulties for families, employers, and communities that have supported displaced Ukrainians,” added Mark Dillen.
The delegation emphasized that supporting Ukraine is not only a matter of helping an ally, but also protecting democratic values and the security of the United States itself.
Photo: Facebook Ukrainians of Colorado
Author: Inna Mikhno