A joint press conference of the co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus was held in Washington, D.C., as part of Ukrainian Week in Washington, D.C. – 2026. American lawmakers, Ukrainian officials, military representatives, and civic leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom, democracy, and a just peace.
According to a statement from the Ukrainian Week in Washington press service, the press conference featured the Caucus co-chairs — Marcy Kaptur, Mike Quigley, and Joe Wilson.
The event brought together more than 2,000 participants from various U.S. states and Ukraine.
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Congressional Ukraine Caucus emphasized the importance of representation at the gathering from the West Coast to the East Coast.
“Our sovereignty depends on strong partnerships. The United States’ connection with European leaders and its support for Ukraine have been steadfast. As you can see from today’s speakers — from Congressman Wilson of South Carolina in the Southeast, to members from Virginia and Maryland on the East Coast, and across to the West Coast — support for Ukraine spans the entire country. We have voices from Ohio, Illinois, and beyond. This is truly a nationwide, bipartisan commitment to standing with Ukraine.”
“This year, Ukraine will mark the 35th anniversary of its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union, while the United States celebrates 250 years of independence,” said Pavlo Unguryan, Former People's Deputy of Ukraine, coordinator of Ukrainian Week in DC. “Our histories are deeply connected. Just as America once defended freedom on the frontier of the Wild West, Ukraine today stands as a frontline fortress of the ‘Wild East,’ resisting imperial aggression and defending democratic values. We come together to honor the United States as the world’s cradle of democracy — and to affirm that Ukraine continues to fight for those same values today, alongside America.”
Olga Stefanishyna, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States emphasized the critical role of U.S. lawmakers in documenting Russian crimes and advancing legislative action to support Ukraine.
“I’m grateful to Congress and the Senate for ensuring that all crimes against Ukraine are properly documented. We have held numerous hearings on the abduction of Ukrainian children, and many petitions and bills have been introduced by members of both the House and the Senate, highlighting every crime, every broken promise, and every attack on our cities. These bills are currently before both chambers. The recent shelling of Ukraine has made one thing clear: Putin has been successful in buying himself time, and we must act accordingly.”
Romchyk Oleksiv, a survivor of Russian aggression, represents the countless Ukrainian children who have suffered from the war and whose voices must be heard. “I am standing here to show how children suffer because of this war. I can speak about it — but many children cannot. On July 14, 2022, my mother and I were in a hospital in Vinnytsia when two Russian missiles attacked the building. My mother was killed instantly. I was taken to intensive care. I am here to say one thing: protect Ukrainian children.”
Romchyk’s father added: “Roman and other children like him are examples of the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Roman underwent a long rehabilitation and survived 36 surgeries. Doctors did not believe he would live. He had to relearn how to walk and move his hands and fingers. Today, he dances and plays the accordion.”
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire highlighted the nationwide support for Ukraine and drew a powerful parallel between America’s democratic foundations and Ukraine’s fight for freedom. “We do come from every corner of this country, and you must know that the people of this country stand with the people of Ukraine. I represent the great state of New Hampshire. Our motto is ‘Live Free or Die.’ And one thing you'll see in every corner of my state are Ukrainian flags, because your cause is the cause of freedom, and we are honored to stand alongside you. You've come at an important moment, a moment where our country is being tested in ways we've never seen before in my lifetime. And this is a fragile experiment, 250 years and running. I carry this document, our Constitution, with me everywhere I go. It's very useful for this job, in ways big and small, as it turns out. But it starts with three immortal words: ‘We the people.’ The people of Ukraine are a light for the world and for this country. And we are honored to stand with you. We need your voices now in the People's House more than ever before.”
Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland underscored the global significance of Ukraine’s fight for democracy and the moral clarity it brings to the international community. “Before me stand people watching — Ukrainians, Americans, and people of all nations who remain committed to democracy. Ukrainians have shown extraordinary courage. Now, the members of this House must show courage as well.”
Sandy Nawrocki, mother of the late Marine First Sergeant Corey Nawrocki, military volunteer on a battlefield in Ukraine killed in action, called for unity in honoring the sacrifices of Americans and Ukrainians defending democracy in Ukraine. “Not only have thousands of Ukrainian civilians in the military been killed, but also hundreds of Americans. They travel to Ukraine at their own expense, driven by their shared belief in democracy and freedom, the very foundation of American values. Many brave individuals continue to fight, and many remain missing in action. I was fortunate enough to have my son return home for a proper burial. However, many families have not had that privilege. I ask that we unite in support of Ukraine so this war can come to an end and no sacrifice is in vain. I am beyond proud of my son and him standing up for his values and beliefs. Let us honor their bravery and ensure that their sacrifice paved the way for a brighter and peaceful future for Ukraine.”
Congressman Jim Costa of California drew a stark moral line between democracy and aggression, calling Russia’s war against Ukraine a defining test for the democratic world. “February 24 marks four years since Putin launched his hostile invasion of Ukraine. From the beginning, it has been clear this is a fight between good versus evil. Today, Russia is a syndicate masquerading as a country, led by a mob boss called Putin. Russia is the aggressor, Putin is the war criminal, and Ukraine is our ally. The choice is clear: we must stand with the freedom fighters. This is a seminal moment in American and world history. We are willing to take the test of our time and stand up — stand up for Ukraine, for the people of the United States, and for all democratic nations around the world.”
The Seniuk Family, who lost both a father and a son defending Ukraine’s freedom, shared their profound personal sacrifice and called for urgent support to protect lives. “When the war began, my husband made a conscious choice — to protect others so that children could have a future,” said Tetyana Seniuk, who has lost her husband fighting for Ukraine’s freedom. “In September 2025, his life was taken. My daughters will never see their father again. Our family has paid an unbearable price — my husband’s father was also killed defending Ukraine. Every delay in assistance means another family waking up without a father, without a mother, without a home. We are people of faith, and I ask you as human beings: give those who need it a chance to live. Support for Ukraine is not about war — it is about life. I speak not about my husband’s death, but about the meaning of his life.”
Congressman Tom Suozzi of New York warned that failing to support Ukraine would embolden further Russian aggression across Europe. “We cannot reward a monster for what he is doing to the people of Ukraine. Some people have said, ‘oh, Russia is so big, and Ukraine is so small by comparison’ . . . Well, of course we have to help them. And our European friends have to help them. And all people who love freedom have to help the Ukrainians. Because if we don't help the Ukrainians, what's going to happen to the Latvians? What’s going to happen to the Lithuanians? What’s going to happen to the Estonians? What’s going to happen to the Moldovans? What's going to happen to Poland? Putin is a monster. He cannot be rewarded. We must stand together in this nation, for the people of Ukraine. We must get our Democratic and Republican colleagues to work together on this common cause of justice.”
Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina, Co-Chair of Congressional Ukraine Caucus expressed confidence that both Republicans and Democrats will continue working together to deter Russian aggression and provide Ukraine with the assistance it needs. “I'm just so confident that President Trump, who initially in his first term put javelin missiles in Ukraine to try to stop the invasion. He put American troops in Poland to indeed deter war Criminal Putin. And so over and over again, Republicans and Democrats will be working together. I want you to give you hope.”
Vladyslav Stotskyi, Senior Lieutenant of the National Guard of Ukraine spoke on behalf of his brigade, highlighting their relentless defense against relentless Russian attacks and expressing gratitude to the United States and allies standing with Ukraine. “I am here to represent my brothers-in-arms,” said Lieutenant Stotskyi.
“My brigade is currently deployed in one of the most difficult sectors of the front line. Every day, Russian forces bombard our unit with all types of weapons, including the use of chemical and incendiary munitions, followed by constant assaults. Russian soldiers are fighting for every single meter of Ukrainian land. Despite this, the Ukrainian Army continues to hold the line and defend our country. I thank God, the United States, and all those who stand with Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine.”
Congressman Eugene Vindman of Virginia drew a direct parallel between Ukraine’s struggle today and America’s own fight for independence. “My understanding is that the Ukrainian people are freezing, they're hungry. Based on a campaign, a strategic campaign to freeze and starve the Ukrainian people. The United States didn't make its way out of the revolution without help. We were helped by allies from overseas. And it was that assistance that allowed us to finally achieve victory. The United States and Europeans are playing that very same role today."
“On behalf of Ukrainian military chaplains, I want to thank everyone for their support,” said Colonel Oleksandr Vovkotecha, Head of the Military Chaplaincy Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Ukrainian Week in Washington, D.C., is a moment when Ukraine’s voice is heard — not only in the political and international arena, but also in the spiritual space. That support gives strength to those serving on the front lines and to the nation as a whole.”
Background
Ukrainian Week 2026, held February 2-7 2026 brings together key leaders from the United States and Ukraine, including Members of Congress, Ukrainian government officials, religious leaders, chaplains, veterans, business professionals, and Ukrainian Americans from across the United States for a week of dialogue and engagement aimed at deepening U.S.–Ukraine cooperation.
Photo: Serge Petchenyi
Prepared by: Inna Mikhno