The Ukrainian community of Chicago held an official meeting dedicated to the change in leadership of the diplomatic mission. Since May 2026, 44-year-old diplomat Kostiantyn Vorona has officially headed the Consulate General. He holds the diplomatic rank of Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Second Class and has more than 15 years of experience working within the structures of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This was reported Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), Illinois Division.
The event, organized by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America in Illinois with the participation of community organizations and Ukrainian media, brought together community leaders, clergy, volunteers, and activists who have worked in recent years to support Ukraine and Ukrainians in the United States.
The gathering also included an official farewell to Consul General Serhii Koledov, who concluded his diplomatic mission after several years of service. Participants thanked Koledov for his work during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine’s modern history — the years of Russia’s full-scale aggression.
Community representatives noted that over the past four and a half years, Chicago’s Ukrainian diaspora has not only grown significantly but has also become more united and active.
“Our community has become not only larger, but also more united and stronger. We know one another — who organizes events and fundraisers, who sends aid, who teaches and tells the world the truth about Ukraine, who regularly meets with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels,” the organizers noted.
During the meeting, the community welcomed the new Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago, Kostiantyn Vorona, and expressed hope for continued active cooperation.
UCCA Illinois emphasized that it expects the development of new initiatives and the strengthening of existing programs in support of Ukraine, advocacy for Ukrainian interests, and expanded cooperation with American partners.
Participants paid special attention to the importance of continued advocacy work in the United States, support for Ukrainian prisoners of war, the return of deported Ukrainian children, and the promotion of a just peace for Ukraine.
Background
According to his biography published on the website of the Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago, Kostiantyn Vorona was born on July 28, 1981, in Khmelnytskyi. He earned a Master’s degree in International Business from Loyola University Chicago and a Master’s degree in Foreign Policy from the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine. He has been in diplomatic service since 2008.
Over the years, he worked in the Department of Consular Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, served as Vice Consul at the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York, and as Counselor for Consular Affairs at the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.
Before his appointment to Chicago, he served as Deputy Head of the Directorate for Consular Protection and Head of the Operational Response Division of the Department of Consular Service of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In May 2026, Kostiantyn Vorona officially assumed his duties as Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago.
He holds the diplomatic rank of Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Second Class, is fluent in English, and is studying Spanish.
It is known that in his new position in Chicago, Kostiantyn Vorona will represent Ukraine’s interests, contribute to strengthening Ukrainian-American relations, and support one of the largest Ukrainian communities in the United States.
Photo: Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Illinois Division, Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Prepared by: Inna Mikhno