More than 700 Ukraine supporters from across the United States converged on Washington, D.C. for the Ukraine Action Summit, turning collective energy into coordinated political action on Capitol Hill.
Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) President Paul Grod joined the effort, taking part in one of the largest nationwide advocacy gatherings organized by the American Coalition for Ukraine.
From April 19-22, 2026, participants from all 50 states and Puerto Rico met directly with members of Congress and Senate offices, delivering a clear and unified message: sustained U.S. support for Ukraine remains critical.
At the Summit, Paul Grod pointed to the strength of the coalition’s coordinated approach and credited its leadership with building a unified, effective advocacy movement. He highlighted how the coalition brings together multiple generations of the Ukrainian diaspora, alongside Americans of non-Ukrainian descent, and channels their efforts into a consistent, credible voice.
“This movement shows what’s possible when people unite with purpose and determination. A broad, disciplined, intergenerational coalition has made Ukraine’s voice impossible to ignore in the United States. This is the kind of sustained, strategic advocacy that not only keeps Ukraine on the agenda but drives real political action, and it’s a model others can follow,” said Paul Grod.
He stressed that this approach offers a practical blueprint for Ukrainian communities worldwide. It goes beyond mobilization, it shows how to build lasting advocacy capacity through message discipline, strategic coordination, and consistent engagement with policymakers.
Paul Grod also urged Ukrainian organizations and partners to endorse the Global Ukrainians’ Declaration of Unity, an initiative led by the UWC in 2026. The Declaration aims to unite the global Ukrainian community around shared priorities: Ukraine’s victory, reconstruction, territorial integrity, and a stronger, more cohesive global voice.
As part of the visit, Paul Grod met with Damon Wilson, President and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy. He expressed appreciation for NED’s continued focus on Ukraine and its longstanding support for Ukrainian civil society.
The discussion emphasized the transformation of Ukraine’s civil society – from a domestic force into a global actor shaping international awareness, mobilizing support, and defending democratic values.
“Today, Ukrainian civil society is no longer just a domestic force – it is a global driver of democratic resilience, mobilizing support and strengthening democratic networks around the world,” said Paul Grod.
During the visit to Washington, D.C., Paul Grod also addressed students at a Ukraine Action Summit event organized by the Georgetown University Ukrainian Society. The event brought together engaged young people and created space to learn, connect, and take part in supporting Ukraine.
In addition, UWC President Paul Grod and Head of the UWC Mission to Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko took part in the Ukraine Impact Forum: Faith and Resilience, held at the University of Notre Dame. The forum brought together government officials, religious and academic leaders from Ukraine and the United States, focusing on the partnership between the University of Notre Dame and the Ukrainian Catholic University aimed at Ukraine’s recovery and long-term development.
Speakers included Olga Stefanishyna, Borys Gudziak, Taras Dobko, and other leading representatives from government, church, and academia in both countries. The delegation also engaged with partners including Mariana Tretiak of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America and Damon Wilson.
“We deeply appreciate the continued support of our partners for Ukraine. Let us keep working together – consistently and with real results,” said Paul Grod.
The visit reaffirmed a central point: the global Ukrainian community is not only united in voice, but increasingly effective in action.
The Ukraine Action Summit is a major biannual gathering that brings together activists, organizations, and community leaders from across the United States to support Ukraine’s defense, recovery, and democratic future. It provides a platform to share experience, build advocacy strategies, and engage with U.S. policymakers on the importance of sustained support for Ukraine.
