UWC meet with Foreign Ministry to coordinate support for Ukraine’s defense, diplomacy

KYIV — The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) and Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Ministry pledged to fortify joint efforts to defend the country against Russian aggression and rally support from Ukrainians worldwide during a meeting on Aug. 25. 

UWC’s delegation was led by President Paul Grod who met with Ukraine’s Foreign Affairs Minister Andriy Sybiha and Deputy Minister Mariana Betsa. 

Grod emphasized the importance of cooperation between Ukraine’s diplomatic corps and the diaspora organization. 

“This partnership allows us to strengthen Ukraine’s security and enhance cooperation with Ukrainian communities worldwide,” Grod said.

Sybiha thanked the UWC for its consistent support of Ukraine and the diaspora, emphasizing its advocacy and efforts to bring international focus to Russian aggression and the need for a sustainable peace.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, the UWC has raised over $75 million for Ukraine through its Unite with Ukraine initiative, primarily supporting the Armed Forces.

“This is a vital contribution and a symbol of global Ukrainian unity,” Sybiha said. “Together, we must defend our sovereignty and determine our own future”. 

Sybiha said that their diplomatic priorities remained unchanged, including air defense systems, ammunition, long-range weapons and drones, investments in Ukraine’s defense industry, support for the Armed Forces, strengthening anti-Russian sanctions, and security guarantees for Ukraine.

The minister said that the UWC and the MFA must act as “one voice for Ukraine in the world.”

“Our goal is to build cooperation with the global Ukrainian community, protect Ukrainian identity and connections to the homeland, and consolidate efforts to defend our nation’s interests internationally,” he said.

The participants also coordinated plans for implementing joint projects and initiatives in the near future.