“Right now is the time, despite the fact that the war is ongoing and the future is unknown, to help Ukraine create the conditions for building a foundation that will unite veterans and families of heroes to rebuild a strong nation and create a progressive Ukrainian veteran part of society…” – US Army Veteran D.j. Skelton

Days in the USA are extremely busy.

The other day, a team consisting of Executive Director Natalia Ricabal Kalmykova, Head of Veterans Council Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine and active service Volodymyr Laguta, veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war and active service Alexandr Morozov, veteran, co-founder of the Ukrainian Women Veteran Movement Yulia Kirillova, mother of the defender of “Azovstal” Dmytro “Orest” Kozatsky Iryna Yurchenko, Director General of the Director General of the Directorate of Digital Development, Digital Transformations and Digitalization of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, Alina Maslo, visited Paul Massaro, Senior Policy Advisor to the US Helsinki Commission, also known as the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, .

His areas of expertise include anti-corruption, human rights, sanctions, illicit financing and energy security. Paul is known throughout the world for his staunch support of Ukraine. The delegation agreed on further cooperation and mutual support.

In addition, the team met with Michael Kofman, an American Military Analyst and Senior Fellow at the Center for Naval Analysis. With Kofman, the Ukrainian delegation talked about the war in Ukraine and support of our country by the American people. They agreed on further cooperation in the field of creating opportunities for veterans.

In the end, the Foundation team visited US veteran Dennis D.j. Skelton for dinner. This meeting was full of laughter and tears, support and sincerity. Dennis has combat experience himself and was seriously wounded during a mission in Iraq, but he returned to service after being wounded, and now works to support US veterans. He was especially interested to hear about Ukraine and support for veterans returning to peaceful life.

Dennis himself said that “Now is the time, despite the fact that the war continues and the future is unknown, to help Ukraine create the conditions for building a foundation that will unite veterans and families of heroes to rebuild a strong nation and create a progressive Ukrainian veteran part of society.”

By the way, veteran James Hutton, whose son is currently fighting in Ukraine against Russia, was also present at the meeting.

Incredible meetings and good practice for the further development of support for veterans in Ukraine!

The trip takes place in cooperation with the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission – NAKO and Mriya Aid