Ukraine House Hosts Reception with Members of Congress, Diplomats, and More Than 500 Guests

Traditionally marking the start of the political season in the United States, a formal reception was held in Washington, D.C., dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. The event brought together representatives of the U.S. government, the diplomatic corps, business leaders, the Ukrainian community, and Ukraine’s partners. у Вашингтоні відбувся урочистий прийом – його присвятили 35-й річниці Незалежності України. Захід об’єднав представників американської влади, дипломатичного корпусу, бізнесу, української громади та партнерів України.

This was reported by the Ukraine House and Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.

The special reception was held in partnership with Ukraine House, the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), Kyivstar, and Bank of America.

The event brought together more than 500 guests, including members of the U.S. Congress, representatives of the U.S. administration who joined the reception immediately following a procedural vote on a sanctions bill, as well as diplomats, business leaders, members of the Ukrainian American community, Ukrainian service members, and special guests — skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych and Miss Universe Ukraine.

Speakers at the event included Denys Sienik, Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine in the United States; Senator Richard Blumenthal; Michael McCaul, Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Jonathan Greenstein; U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Ivana Zuzul; USUBC Board Chair and Bayer Vice President Stephanie Murray; and Oksana Markarova, Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Reconstruction and Investment, who currently chairs the Board of Ukraine House. 

In his remarks, Denys Sienik emphasized the need to combine diplomatic efforts with practical support for Ukraine.

“Peace is perhaps the most desired word for millions of Ukrainians. But for diplomacy to succeed, Ukraine must have the means to defend itself. At the same time, our partnership with the United States is about more than security; it is also about building the future together, creating opportunities, and strengthening our economies,” the diplomat said.

The speakers addressed support for Ukraine, the strengthening of the Ukrainian-American strategic partnership, the need for continued military and economic assistance, and the role of the private sector in Ukraine’s future reconstruction.

The evening was moderated by Misha Komadovsky, U.S. correspondent for DW News. The musical program featured performances of the national anthems by the American Pops Orchestra and the Gerdan ensemble, while guests were served Ukrainian dishes by RUTA, the first Ukrainian restaurant in the DMV region.

Participants also visited two themed exhibitions — “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra: 975 Years of History – 100 Years of Responsible Preservation,” dedicated to the history and preservation of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, and “Ukrainian Americans: A Legacy that Endures,” highlighting the contributions of Ukrainians to the development of the United States.

The organizers thanked the partners, sponsors, and all guests of the event, emphasizing that the celebration served as another demonstration of the strength of the Ukrainian-American partnership and the support Ukraine continues to receive from American society.