A series of events in the U.S. capital served as a crucial platform for discussing essential steps to ensure a just peace, promote Ukraine’s interests, deepen international cooperation, and strengthen ties between Ukraine and its allies.
Ukrainian Week in Washington DC, initiated by a coalition of civic organizations and evangelical churches from both the U.S. and Ukraine, is taking place from February 3 to 8, 2025. The program features various forums, roundtables, receptions, and exhibitions, all aimed at advancing and strengthening humanitarian, economic, cultural, and political relations between the two countries.
This year, the Leadership Forum, a communications platform where leading American and Ukrainian leaders shared experiences, forged new partnerships, and presented actionable solutions, drew significant interest. These efforts focused on bolstering resilience, creating economic opportunities, and fostering sustainable recovery in Ukraine.
Experts from Maxwell Leadership and GiANT Worldwide shared strategic leadership approaches, while representatives from the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council and the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America emphasized the importance of reinforcing connections between Ukraine and the global community. They highlighted the pivotal role played by the Ukrainian diaspora in this process.
Olga Diakova, co-founder of Impact Force, showcased the organization’s key initiatives for 2024 during the forum. These include the “Dream and Achieve” online academy, enabling internally displaced persons to acquire digital entrepreneurship skills and unlock new opportunities; the “Restart of Consciousness” mental health program, designed to enhance stress resilience and support the psychological well-being of Ukrainians; and the Impact Business Accelerator, which helps small and medium enterprises scale and integrate social responsibility into their business models, making them more sustainable and effective.
“The future of Ukraine is not just about recovery but transformation. True resilience is not merely overcoming challenges but turning them into opportunities for innovation, unity, and building a stronger nation. At Impact Force, we are not merely rebuilding—we are nurturing a new generation of conscious leaders and shaping a new Ukraine: modern, inclusive, and grounded in the principles of integrity, equality, and sustainable development. By creating economic opportunities and fostering a culture of social impact, we are proving that with the right support, Ukraine can become a global leader in social innovation,” emphasized Olga Diakova.
Olga Danko, Director of Advocacy at Impact Force, made a significant contribution to the discussion, focusing on the innovative approaches Ukrainians have adopted to overcome challenges. “Today, Ukraine is a living example of leadership in the modern world. Over the past three years, our nation has faced unprecedented challenges. Yet, even under the most difficult conditions, Ukrainian leaders and changemakers are not just surviving—they are creating, rebuilding, and inspiring. This is not just resilience; it is a rethinking of leadership for the future,” she underlined.
Other vital initiatives were also presented during the discussions. Ksenia Draganiuk, co-founder of Zemliachki, highlighted the role of women in the military and the need for their support both during and after the war. Marta Levchenko, founder of the NGO “City of Kindness,” shared her experience in creating safe spaces and providing support to women and children displaced by the war. These initiatives illustrate the importance of community-based efforts that bring hope and stability in times of crisis and hardship.
Amid the ongoing full-scale war, which has lasted nearly three years, and shifts in the global geopolitical landscape, the Leadership Forum underscored the urgent need for international partnership. The key takeaway was the realization that Ukraine’s recovery is not only a national priority but a global opportunity. Only through the combined efforts of government, business, and civil society—alongside American partners, the Ukrainian diaspora, and international organizations—can an ecosystem be created that inspires collective action and strengthens the resilience of both individuals and communities.
It is important to note that Ukrainians strive for peace. They share the peace objective articulated by President Trump but understand that it can only be achieved by repelling Russian aggression and implementing effective mechanisms to prevent future invasions.
“The discussions at the Forum conveyed a clear message: Ukrainians are not merely surviving—they seek a just peace and are emerging as true leaders. They are innovators, agents of change, and an example for the entire world. Together, we can turn resilience into long-term impact, shaping Ukraine’s future as a nation of strength, innovation, and leadership,” concluded Olga Diakova.