President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of the Ukrainian World Congress to discuss steps to strengthen support for Ukraine around the world.
The Head of State congratulated those present on Independence Day and thanked the Ukrainian World Congress for its active work, which strengthens Ukraine and makes sure our voice is heard globally.
“We want to thank you for representing Ukraine all this time. I am sure that a lot has been done because many people are working on this, and many voices are speaking out about Ukraine abroad. We are grateful for this, especially at a time when there are many challenges in the world, many wars, now – in the Middle East, and we know that the world’s attention is focused on different challenges,” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that it is especially important now to work with the governments, parliaments and communities of other countries to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, ensure pressure on Russia and increase financial support for our country. According to the Head of State, every country matters, especially those that are far away – in North and South America, Asia and Oceania.
“Air defense, finances, sanctions – these are probably the key things we need to get through this winter. But the voice is also very important, of course, as is political and informational support,” the President emphasized.
Representatives of the Ukrainian World Congress thanked Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his leadership. They noted the special focus during the Independence Day events on unity, as they have declared 2026 the Year of Global Ukrainian Unity. More than 400 organizations around the world have already signed the corresponding Declaration of Unity. They are all united around four main goals: actively working for Ukraine’s victory, its postwar reconstruction, protecting its territorial integrity, and strengthening the global Ukrainian community.
In addition, representatives of the Ukrainian World Congress pledged to step up efforts to protect Ukraine’s skies, increase sanctions pressure on Russia, and support Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
“We will continue to focus our work on raising funds and advocacy so that Ukraine receives the maximum possible amount of military assistance. We have also come to thank the Ukrainians who work in Ukraine every day and support Ukraine. We want to thank them for their bravery and courage,” said Ukrainian World Congress President Paul Grod.
The Head of State awarded the Order of Merit, III class, to President of the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada Jurij Klufas, and the award of the President of Ukraine “Golden Heart” to the founder of Saint Javelin, a philanthropist, entrepreneur and journalist, Christian Borys.
The meeting was attended by: Ukrainian World Congress President Paul Grod (Canada); Ukrainian World Congress Vice President Andriy Futey (United States); Ukrainian World Congress Vice President for Development and Fundraising Yuri Huculak (Canada); Ukrainian World Congress Vice President and President of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations Jaroszlava Hartyanyi (Hungary); Ukrainian World Congress Vice President for Eastern Europe and President of the Union of Ukrainians of Romania Mykola-Myroslav Petretskyi (Romania); Ukrainian World Congress Vice President for South and Central America and Head of the Board of the Ukrainian Cultural Society Prosvita in Argentina Jorge Danylyshyn (Argentina); Ukrainian World Congress Vice President for South and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Türkiye and Lebanon Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler (Australia); Ukrainian World Congress Executive Committee member Zenon Kowal (Belgium); President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alexandra Chyczij (Canada); President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Mykhailo Savkiv (United States); Ukrainian World Congress Military Aid Coordinator Andrew Potichnyj (Canada); President of the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada Jurij Klufas (Canada); Ukrainian World Congress adviser in Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko; and Saint Javelin founder, philanthropist, entrepreneur and journalist Christian Borys (Canada).