The Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance, together with the Ukrainian-American Partnership Platform, hosted a meeting titled: “Advocating for Ukraine in Republican Circles in the U.S. and Odesa’s Role in This Process.” The goal of the event was to strengthen Ukraine’s image and significance among Republican political elites in the United States.
The keynote speaker was Karl Ahlgren, former Secretary of the Oklahoma Senate, ex-Chief of Staff in Congress, and a key figure in the Ukraine Freedom Project. His contributions to promoting Ukraine’s interests in the U.S. are difficult to overstate.
Ahlgren presented the documentary film “Faith Under Siege.” In his words:
“Many Americans don’t understand what’s happening in Ukraine. That’s why we decided to make a film — to tell a story that deserves to be heard across America. We conducted many interviews, which amplified our message. This is an important story. We believe it can inspire Christians to support Ukraine.”
A significant part of the discussion focused on the Odesa region — a multicultural area historically connected to various peoples, and situated at the crossroads of trade and culture. By highlighting Odesa’s cultural potential, we can show the world that Ukraine is not just a country, but a living, dynamic entity with unlimited promise.
Pavlo Unguryan, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Alliance, emphasized:
“We could have done much more in the early 90s. But it took us 30 years to realize we can’t remain non-aligned while the world becomes polarized. In this black-and-white reality, we must clearly define our place. Ukraine is a stronghold of Western civilization. The Odesa region is key — especially because of its strategic location on the Danube.”
The event also included a panel on chaplaincy and spiritual diplomacy, featuring Veniamin Unguryan as the event presenter. He stressed Odesa’s potential to become a hub for unity and peace:
“Spiritual diplomacy is now more vital than ever. It has a tremendous impact and can serve as a powerful tool for uniting communities and promoting peace. Odesa has a unique opportunity to become a center for dialogue that supports democracy and justice, while strengthening the ties between Ukraine and the world.”
Our task now is to show Americans that Ukraine is not just a spot on the map. It’s a country with deep cultural ties, a shared pursuit of peace and justice, and massive innovative potential. While the road ahead is long and challenging, gatherings like this help bring us closer to mutual understanding and a common future.
