UWC delegation in Kyiv honors Holodomor victims in commemorative events

A well-represented delegation from the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) participated in the commemoration of genocidal Holodomor victims in Kyiv on Nov. 23. 

They included: UWC Third Vice President Andriy Futey; UWC Regional Vice President for Africa Dzvinka Kachur; and Director of the UWC Mission to Ukraine (2014-2024) Serhiy Kasyanchuk.

At the Assumption Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra – a UNESCO World Heritage site – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska, Ukrainian defenders, and clergy, along with UWC representatives, lit a candle of remembrance.

The delegation also attended the traditional prayer service at the Holodomor Genocide Museum in Kyiv. The event’s three organizers were: the Holodomor Museum, the Ukrainian Institute of National Memory, and the UWC.

Prominent leaders of Ukrainian churches, as well as political and public figures, including former President Viktor Yushchenko (2005-2010), also participated in the ceremony.

Futey also took part in the 20th anniversary celebration of the Orange Revolution that saw Yushchenko ascend the presidency after a rigged election that was overturned by a runoff popular vote. 

“I had the opportunity to speak with the heroes of these historical events – Third President Viktor Yushchenko, the voice of the Maidan, People’s Artist of Ukraine Yevhen Nyshchuk, historian Oleksandr Zinchenko, singer Maria Burmaka, and Ihor Poshyvaiko, General Director of the Maidan Museum,” Futey said.

In a separate meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybyha, Vice President Futey discussed future cooperation, including humanitarian support, assistance to Ukrainians temporarily abroad, and coordination to preserve the national identity of Ukrainians overseas, as well as efforts to counter Russian aggression.

Futey also provided insights into the political situation following the U.S. presidential election in an interview on Ukrainian Radio.

In addition, UWC Vice President for Africa Dzvinka Kachur received an award from President Zelenskyy on Nov. 19 in the Ukrainian parliament for her contributions to defending Ukraine’s interests. 

“This award belongs to every Ukrainian who continues to defend Ukraine on the African continent,” Kachur said. 

The Honorary Award was also given to Dmitrii Lecartev, Head of the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova.