‘The Power of a Global Ukrainian Community’: How unity shapes history

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has launched a special project, “The Power of a Global Ukrainian Community” — a series of interviews with Ukrainian leaders who share firsthand how the combined efforts of Ukrainian communities abroad have shaped history.

These stories show how the Ukrainian-American community played a key role in creating the Holodomor Memorial in Washington, D.C.; how coordinated advocacy secured U.S. recognition of the Holodomor as genocide; and how Ukrainian communities in Lebanon and other countries are using cultural initiatives to strengthen Ukraine’s presence on the global stage.

The first interview features former Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Oleh Shamshur. He recalls that from his very first day in Washington, cooperation with the Ukrainian American community was a priority. He points to a defining moment: the creation of the Holodomor Memorial in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Securing that memorial was far from guaranteed. It required years of advocacy, meetings with federal commissions, and sustained pressure — all made possible through close cooperation between diplomats, Ukrainian American organizations, and members of the U.S. Congress mobilized by the community. Today, that memorial near Union Station tells millions of Americans the truth about Ukraine’s history.

As Ambassador Shamshur reminds us, “At this very critical, existential moment in Ukrainian history, we must mobilize as much support as possible.” Supporting UWC, he says, creates the synergy Ukraine needs to defeat Russian expansionism.

Supporting UWC, Shamshur says, creates the synergy Ukraine needs to defeat Russian expansionism.

Your contribution to UWC creates global impact. It amplifies Ukraine’s voice, strengthens advocacy in the United States and worldwide, and supports the global Ukrainian family at a moment when it truly matters.

This Christmas, we invite you to stand with Ukraine — and with the community that helps make history move in the right direction.

Thank you for being part of this shared effort.

Support the UWC here.