Armed with passion and strong desire to see Ukraine win the war, Team Dignitas Ukraine has spent three days – October 22-24 – on the Hill at the Ukraine Action Summit. Together with other 500 attendees from 36 states, representing 97 partner organizations, we all felt united by a single purpose – to ensure that our elected representatives understand the urgent need for sustained support of Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and security.
We also took that time as the opportunity to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations from within as well as beyond the Ukrainian community.
On the first day, we participated in panel discussions with such distinguished guests as Amb. William Taylor, Amb. Marie Yovanovich, Vladyslav Rashkovan from the IMF, Nate Mook from World Central Kitchen, Johnathan Katz from The Brookings Institution, Peter Pomarantsev from John Hopkins University, Karolina Hird from Institute for the Study of War and more experts and political figures.
The topics discussed during Ukraine Action Summit
- Why Ukrainian Victory Matter to the U.S
- How the War is Impacting Ukrainian Society
- What Long-Term Support for Ukraine Looks Like
- Dispelling Myths About Ukraine and U.S. Aid
On the second day, after a briefing with the Summit’s organizer – the American Coalition for Ukraine – all attendees have been broken out in groups by state. Each group had a leader who helped us stay unified in our messages to the staffers and congressmen themselves.
Policy Priorities discussed with Congressmen/staffers
- Supplemental Funding – out top advocacy priority was to fully fund U.S> assistance to Ukraine through 2024. This funding will provide Ukraine critical assistance in the form of weapons, budgetary support, and humanitarian aid. Funding through 2024 will also protect a critical national security issue from partisan politics during the upcoming election season.
- Expedited Long-Range Weapons – The U.S. needs to expedite training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters, send long-range ATACMS, and expand Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into occupied territory. Ukraine’s gradual progress in its counteroffensive is a direct reflection of the U.S.’s gradual provision of military aid. The official U.S. goal is to help Ukraine win – these weapons are what it takes to make that happen.
After the intensive 3-day event, we all left DC full of hope that our voices were heard. Along the way, we made sure we thanked the staffers and representatives for their time and willingness to speak with us. We will continue to educate our elected representatives about why the U.S. must support a Ukrainian victory.