President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives and leaders of the Ukrainian community in the United States and presented state awards to those making an important contribution to strengthening Ukraine. The meeting began with a moment of silence in memory of every person whose life was taken by Russia’s war.
The parties discussed diplomatic efforts and work toward peace, cooperation with President Trump and his team, as well as the main challenges and tasks Ukraine faces today. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that ending the war is the most important issue for our state, as is preserving Ukraine – our nation, a country with a rich history and extraordinary talent.
“We are ready for an energy ceasefire. We know that Russia has lost 45% of all the diesel it has. It has lost 45% of all its oil refineries. This is a very serious achievement. Not because it is an achievement of our Defense and Security Forces, not because Ukraine wants destruction – no. Ukraine is responding. And if our response is this effective and this painful, then at one point or another Russia will be ready for negotiations. Because Ukraine has a strong position,” the President said.
The Head of State spoke about the situation on the front, where every Russian advance comes at the cost of enormous losses.
Representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora noted the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of the challenges our country is enduring. In particular, Bishop Borys, a Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, spoke about his two-month trip across Ukraine, during which, among the hundreds of people he met, not one said that our country should surrender in this war.
The Head of State awarded the Order of Merit, III class, the Order of Princess Olga, III class, and the Cross of Ivan Mazepa to those whose work and support make an important contribution to strengthening Ukraine. Among them are doctors, members of the clergy, philanthropists, civic leaders, the President of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, and the founder of a foundation that strengthens the strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine.
“I thank every person who helps, who tells the truth about our struggle, supports our people, and does everything possible to ensure that Ukraine is heard and understood around the world. We value all the support,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
