UWC President joins Ukrainian Days advocacy event in US capital

WASHINGTON – Ukrainian World Congress President Paul Grod took part in Ukrainian Days, an advocacy event when Ukrainian community leaders and constituents with U.S. senators and their staff to advocate for key policy priorities that support Ukraine. 

This year’s event took place in Washington, D.C. on 11–12 June, and was organized by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and the Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS).

Their meetings also aimed to “reduce Russian influence,” Grod said at the traditional event.

He stressed the importance of building strong ties between Ukrainians and American society — “both at the official level and in everyday life.”

“This helps ensure that Ukraine’s voice is heard,” the UWC President said.

Ukrainian Days is a longstanding initiative held several times a year that is held by UCCA to provide members of the Ukrainian community with a structured opportunity to advocate for issues important to Ukraine on Capitol Hill. 

The primary goal is to advance the interests of the Ukrainian-American community, with a focus on securing continued support for Ukraine, strengthening sanctions against Russia, gaining recognition of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, and raising awareness about Russian war crimes.

“The discussions were very open and honest — it seems that everyone understands and supports us, some more enthusiastically than others. At this point, the only person we still need to convince is the one in the White House,” said Dr. Mariya Dmytriv-Kapeniak, President of the UCCA Illinois Division.