Ukraine House hosted a meaningful public event “Solidarity in Motion: How Fundraising Works for Ukraine Today,” dedicated to fundraising and international support for Ukraine, which opened a series of events in 2026. The evening’s central event was a conversation with American diplomat George Kent and a panel discussion on effective tools for helping Ukraine and how American and Ukrainian organizations can strengthen their work in this support.
This was reported by Ukraine House.
The main guests of the evening were George P. Kent, former US Ambassador to Estonia (2023-2025), his wife Velida, and son Georgi. The family shared the story of their charitable initiative – a bicycle trip from the West to the East Coast of the USA, which they undertook in the summer of 2025 to raise funds to support Ukraine’s struggle for freedom.
“This was not just a trip – it was a fundraising mission to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom. George told how he came up with the idea, what real challenges they faced along the way, and how people are able to unite around a common goal,” the organizers said.
Velida Kent emphasized the human dimension of the initiative – direct communication with people and listening to their stories, and their son Georgi shared his vision of the role of the younger generation in using social media for socially important campaigns.
Read also: Former US Ambassador Completes 7,000-Mile Bike Ride Across America in Support of Ukraine
The panel discussion was opened by former Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova. She emphasized that in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, the unity of international partners and civil society remains a key factor. And that stories like the Kent family’s story should inspire and continue to support each other.
The panel discussion also included Razom for Ukraine Senior Advisor Melinda Garing, United Help Ukraine President and CEO Maryna Baydiuk, and Nova Ukraine Development Director Jeff Kramer. The discussion was moderated by Nate Mookie, CEO of All Hands & Hearts, who provided a dynamic and practical format for the discussion.
In particular, Maryna Baydiuk shared key insights on maintaining long-term support for Ukraine and strategies for how United Help Ukraine is translating commitment into concrete action.
“It is extremely important to remind our supporters and the wider audience of the current realities of Russian brutality – and the resilience of Ukrainians who are responding every day. Supporting means telling new stories and demonstrating local, tangible results,” says Maryna Baydiuk.
Participants focused on how to make fundraising for Ukraine more effective, transparent, and meaningful, as well as the role of personal stories in mobilizing international support.
The organizers thanked all participants and guests of the event and noted that such meetings remain an important platform for strengthening solidarity with Ukraine in 2026.
Background
George Kent is an American diplomat who is known for his support for Ukrainian sovereignty and initiatives in favor of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He worked twice as part of the US diplomatic mission in Ukraine - in 2004-2007 and 2015-2018. During his second assignment, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. In July 2021, George Kent served as Acting U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine. From February 2023 to January 2025, he served as U.S. Ambassador to Estonia.George Kent is an American diplomat who is known for his support for Ukrainian sovereignty and initiatives in favor of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He worked twice as part of the US diplomatic mission in Ukraine - in 2004-2007 and 2015-2018. During his second assignment, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. In July 2021, George Kent served as Acting U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Ukraine. From February 2023 to January 2025, he served as U.S. Ambassador to Estonia.
Kent is currently an active member of the international NAFO community, which counters Russian propaganda and supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In July, he embarked on a bike ride across America to draw attention to Ukraine.Kent is currently an active member of the international NAFO community, which counters Russian propaganda and supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In July, he embarked on a bike ride across America to draw attention to Ukraine.
Photo: Ukraine House
Author: Inna Mikhno