Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak arrived on a working visit to the United States and met with representatives of the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities at the Ukrainian House in Washington.
In the course of the meeting, the Head of the President's Office spoke about the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine's needs for defense and financial assistance.
“Much has already been achieved, but we still have several critical battles ahead. The outcome of the war will determine the fate of not only Ukrainians. The future of the peoples of the United States, Europe, and the entire humanity for decades to come depends on it,” Andriy Yermak said in his speech.
He emphasized that the aggressor threatens democracies from the outside and is trying to destroy them from within through massive propaganda, influence on elections, cyberattacks etc. This can only be countered by the unity of the democratic world.
“We must resist any attempts to split us. For its part, Ukraine is making every effort not only to overcome Russian military power but also to ensure unity,” Andriy Yermak said.
In particular, he noted that despite the war, our country has accelerated its progress towards the EU and NATO, as evidenced by the Vilnius Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine and the European Commission's recommendation to start negotiations on EU membership.
The Head of the President's Office thanked for the comprehensive support for our country provided by the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities of the United States in this difficult time for Ukraine.
“Helping Ukraine today is not just about saving the Ukrainian nation. It is the defense of all Europeans and Americans, the defense of the entire free world. And I would like to once again thank the American people, President Biden and the Congress, who understand this very well and support Ukraine,” he noted.
Andriy Yermak expressed gratitude to all those who were engaged in volunteer activities, provided expert and advocacy support, negotiated with American medical institutions for the treatment of wounded Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, organized charity concerts, and spoke in the American media urging not to leave Ukraine alone in the fight against the Russian occupier.
He also noted the many years of efforts by Ukrainian Americans to inform U.S. society about the Holodomor of 1932-1933 in Ukraine, the 90th anniversary of which is being commemorated this year, and contributed to the official recognition of the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people in many states.
“Please continue to support Ukraine in its will for full NATO membership. Continue your advocacy in Congress and help us get additional funding for Ukraine approved. Continue to spread the truth about the Holodomor. All of this will benefit the entire democratic world,” Andriy Yermak added.
The Head of the President's Office emphasized that the contribution of the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar communities in the United States would have a significant role in Ukraine's victory.
“Your expertise and experience are very important to us. Therefore, we are open to suggestions and ready for comprehensive cooperation,” he said.
Andriy Yermak thanked the Ukrainian World Congress for its support and congratulated Paul Grod on his re-election as President of the organization.
