The sixth Ukraine Action Summit, organized by the American Coalition for Ukraine (ACU), concluded this week in Washington, D.C., bringing together over 600 delegates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico for the largest advocacy event in support of Ukraine to date. Delegates held 450 in-person meetings on Capitol Hill, covering the majority of congressional districts and demonstrating the nationwide commitment to Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty.
Traditional group photo of the Ukraine Action Summit attendees at the stairs of the Congress, April 8, 2025
The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) was proudly represented by over 30 members who led state delegations, helped shape the Summit agenda, and advocated on behalf of their local communities. As a founding member of ACU and a long-standing sponsor of the Ukraine Action Summit, UNWLA continues its century-long tradition of leading grassroots advocacy for Ukraine.
UNWLA members during the Ukraine Action Summit
Member NYC Branch 113 member Maria Kohulka at the meeting
NJ Delegation led by members of the Branch 143 meeting with Rep Tom Kean
UNWLA Members only Happy Hour
Virginia delegation led by Soyuzianka Roxolana Wynar, Br 78
Irena Badyak, Fl and Marianna Tretiak, PA
Br 1 members were part of NY delegation
Inna Walker, MAL led RI delegation
Texas delegation was led by MAL Anna Bereznyak, and had members from Austin and Houston on the delegation
As with all previous Summits, the Spring event had a clear policy priorities.
Delegates focused on policies aimed at securing a just and lasting peace for the Ukrainian people.
One key priority was the enforcement of the REPO Act, which authorizes the transfer of frozen russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine. Advocates emphasized the urgent need for full implementation of the law and the continuation of strong sanctions until russia ends its aggression.
Delegates also called for accountability for russia’s human rights violations — including the confirmed abduction of nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children and the widespread persecution of religious leaders. They underscored that these atrocities must be addressed in any future peace framework, and the return of Ukraine’s children must be non-negotiable.
A key highlight of the Summit was a Congressional policy event titled “Vladimir Putin – World’s Number One Terrorist: Implications for U.S. Policy”, co-hosted by The Remembrance Society and ACU. It featured lawmakers, national security leaders, human rights experts, and survivors of Russian brutality, and made a compelling case for recognizing Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and holding its leadership accountable for war crimes.
Speakers of the press conference. Marianna Tretiak opened the press event, and Marta Fedoriw contributed to the line-up of speakers
Watch full recording of the press event
Since its inception, the Ukraine Action Summit has built a national network of over 1,500 trained grassroots advocates, who continue to engage year-round — not just in Washington, but in every corner of the country.
“This summit has shown the impact that we’ve created over the past three years. As we continue to advocate — and shift that advocacy toward the executive branch, ensuring our constituents are heard and their members of Congress understand how important Ukraine is to them — we can take this message to the next level.” — Marianna Tretiak, Chair of the Board of Directors, American Coalition for Ukraine and Ukrainian National Women’s League of America officer at large.
As russia’s brutality persists, so must our advocacy. The Summit was not an endpoint — it was a launching pad. The path to peace and justice is long, but with unity, resolve, and unwavering determination, we will keep pushing forward. We owe it to Ukraine — and to the values we all stand for — to persist. Relentlessly. Together.
