Forum of Ukrainians of Eastern Europe issues final statement

The following is the concluding statement from the Forum of Ukrainians of Eastern Europe, which was adopted after the congress ended its three-day forum on Dec. 14 in the Polish city of Przemyśl.

As the head of the forum’s organizing committee, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) is publishing it in full. 

This first large-scale gathering brought together representatives of Ukrainian communities from thirteen countries, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. 

“Ukrainians of Eastern Europe: Unity, Strength, Future”

We, the participants of the Forum of Ukrainians of Eastern Europe with representatives from 13 countries, identify our key priorities as achieving Ukraine’s victory and Russia’s defeat, rebuilding Ukraine, and strengthening a robust global Ukrainian community.

In this context, we call on all Ukrainian civic organizations, educational and religious communities, youth and student groups, and other associations and institutions to focus particularly on the following:

• Actively support Ukraine in all areas. From political, advocacy, humanitarian, defense, and financial to including through the use of frozen Russian assets, the UWC Unite with Ukraine initiative, and fundraising campaigns such as One United Fundraiser or local initiatives.
• Contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine and the strengthening of Ukrainian statehood, including by sharing expertise and encouraging Ukrainian citizenship. 
• Strengthen unity and coordination among Ukrainian communities, create joint networks of cooperation, and sign the Global Ukrainians’ Declaration of Unity to consolidate efforts and increase the influence of the diaspora globally.
• Counter Russian disinformation, spread truthful information about Ukraine in local languages, and raise community members’ awareness of practical information security measures.
• Support and integrate Ukrainian displaced persons into active community life
• Develop political and civic engagement, including participation in local politics, civic initiatives, and expert platforms, while cultivating leaders and advocates of Ukrainian interests.

• Actively support Ukrainian schools, cultural centers, and community organizations through funding, volunteering, engaging young educators, cooperating with church structures, and developing parish schools.

• Invest in youth and leadership — develop youth structures, run leadership camps, thematic training sessions, and international meetings, forming a network of regional youth leaders and the next generation of advocacy leaders.

• Promote cultural diplomacy in the region as a tool of soft power by protecting Ukrainian identity, fostering intercultural dialogue, and strengthening European solidarity.

To implement these priorities, we authorize the Forum’s Organizing Committee, led by the UWC, to develop a concrete action plan for 2026–2027.