WASHINGTON – During the tumultuous three-month ordeal of the “Revolution of Dignity” in Ukraine between November 2013 and February 2014, the Ukrainian American community members repeatedly and consistently were in contact with their U.S. elected officials, providing first-hand information about the events transpiring and seeking their support and assistance.
The U.S. Congress eagerly came to Ukraine’s assistance both during the revolution and in the months and years afterward. That support was evident in the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014, military assistance appropriated for Ukraine, and economic assistance to help the economy left crippled by the Yanukovych regime.
With that in mind, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and its Washington public affairs bureau, the Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS), sponsored a mini-conference and congressional briefing session to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity and the Heavenly Hundred heroes. The half-day event was held on February 8 in the Cannon House Office Building and was attended by members of Congress, guest speakers, panelists, clergy, congressional staffers and community representatives.
In opening the half-day conference, UNIS Director Michael Sawkiw Jr. welcomed all and spoke of the heroism of the Ukrainian nation five years ago and the example they portrayed for other societies around the world: “The Ukrainian people became the active frontline of defense for not only their own freedom, but the freedom of the entire trans-Atlantic alliance.”
The Rev. Robert Hitchens, pastor of the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, provided an invocation for the event and concluded with the singing of “Eternal Memory.”
UCCA President Andrew Futey was introduced to moderate the first panel, “Witnesses to History.” The UCCA President mentioned the uniqueness of the Revolution of Dignity and the dramatic reforms efforts in Ukraine since the revolution. He highlighted the reforms of the Ministry of Health and the unfortunate politically motivated court case against Acting Minister of Health Ulana Suprun.
The first panel discussion featured presentations by Marta Farion, president of the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America, and Irene Chalupa, editor at StopFake.
Ms. Farion spoke of the Ukrainian community’s motivation to assist their brethren in Ukraine and cited the values of the Heavenly Hundred, who selfishly gave of themselves so others may live in freedom. “They are remembered forever,” Ms. Farion stated. “The sacrifice of these heroes united the nation and provided a call for defense and rejection of dictatorship and Russian domination.”
Ms. Chalupa examined the near “mythological” nature of the Heavenly Hundred and their contribution to the building of a revived nation whose dignity would not be tarnished again. The sacrifice of the Heavenly Hundred can only be fully attained through continued efforts to reform the country and build a strong vibrant civil society. Mentioning the age discrepancies of the Heavenly Hundred, “teenagers from 17 to grandfathers at 83” laid down their lives for the betterment of Ukraine, stated Ms. Chalupa.
The event’s main focus was the two keynote addresses delivered by Valeriy Chaly, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States; and Carl Gershman, president of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Both spoke eloquently about the historical value of the Revolution of Dignity and its significance to the advancement of Ukrainian statehood.
Having been on the Maidan, or Independence Square in Kyiv, during the Revolution of Dignity, Ambassador Chaly spoke of the hundreds of thousands who withstood the bitterly cold winter months for a single purpose: to live in an open society with dignity and democratic values. “The Heavenly Hundred were a testament to Ukraine’s lasting legacy of heroic actions for defending freedom,” stated Ambassador Chaly.
Mr. Gershman declared that the Revolution of Dignity and the nation that stood up against a tyrant are evidence of a society that understands the tenets of democracy. In his remarks, Mr. Gershman also mentioned the passing of Nadia Diuk, a staunch supporter of Ukraine’s quest for its independence and advancement as a democratic nation. Her recent passing, he said, emboldens the NED to strive for Ukraine’s success as a country ensconced in Euro-Atlantic values and principles.
Interspersed between the two panel discussions were poignant remarks by several members of Congress. Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus (CUC), spoke passionately about the support Ukraine has in the U.S. Congress. “You have a group of dedicated members of Congress who understand the value of a free and independent Ukraine,” the congressman stated.
In addition, fellow CUC co-chair Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) also highlighted the keen awareness that members of Congress share for Ukraine. “We value the ‘fly-in’ days [“Ukrainian Days”] your organization sponsors,” he said, “because we listen to your concerns and opinions.” From those advocacy events, members of Congress then provide the legislative vehicles necessary to assist Ukraine, which, as a strategic partner of the United States, is in our national security interests.
Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) equated Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity and the unfortunate tragedy of the Heavenly Hundred to the War of 1812 in the United States “when our newly formed country had to defend itself against its former colonial ruler.” The congressman noted that freedom and independence must be defended and acknowledged that democracy is not easy, but with friends of Ukraine on Capitol Hill, Ukraine will succeed.
Following the keynote addresses, Dr. Phillip Karber, president of the Potomac Foundation; and Askold Krushelnycky, correspondent at the Kyiv Post, presented remarks on the “Aftermath to Sacrifice” panel discussion. Both individuals have traveled to Ukraine since the Revolution of Dignity and spent time with soldiers on the frontline defending against Russia’s aggression.
“I refer to the Revolution and its aftermath as the Heavenly Thousands,” stated Dr. Karber, “for all the innocent thousands who have been killed since the Revolution in 2013-2014 and Russia’s invasion and continued aggression to this day.”
Mr. Krushelnycky elaborated on the perseverance and mindset of the soldiers on Ukraine’s frontline by stating that, “Аs a journalist observing the political environment in Ukraine is often depressing. But, witnessing the courage and commitment of Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline was a privilege and reassures my faith in Ukraine.”
The final presentation was delivered by George Kent, deputy assistant secretary in the European and Eurasian Bureau at the U.S. Department of State. He provided a well-rounded and balanced assessment of the Revolution of Dignity and the West’s support of Ukraine since the revolution. Mentioning the case of Dr. Ulana Suprun, Mr. Kent emphasized the need for continued reform in Ukraine to combat all forms of corruption. His remarks also included Ukraine in the context of regional security, the tremendous disinformation campaign against Ukraine initiated by the Russian government, and the importance of remembrances such as tributes to the Heavenly Hundred and last’s year’s commemoration of the Ukrainian Holodomor.
In closing, UNIS Director Sawkiw thanked the deputy secretary of state for his remarks and underscored the notion of regional security for Ukraine. “With American support, a democratic, independent Ukraine can be that keystone of freedom in the region. Anything less than a full commitment to strengthening Ukraine as a bulwark of freedom amounts to nothing other than a policy of appeasement,” Mr. Sawkiw underscored. “Unless Ukraine is fully integrated into Europe and its structures, trans-Atlantic security is simply an illusion.”