U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC)

🇺🇸🇺🇦 On 18 May, USUBC and K&L Gates LLP co-organized the Business Forum: U.S. Private Sector Engagement in Ukraine’s Reconstruction in Washington, D.C., with support from Trident Group America, Inc. The event focused on mobilizing U.S. private sector interest and participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction ahead of the 2026 Ukraine Recovery Conference.

In his Keynote Remarks, Ambassador John Herbst, Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and Senior Director of the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, urged investors to engage now rather than wait for the war's end, arguing that early positioning offers the strongest long-term returns.

Panel One, moderated by Guillermo Christensen, Partner at K&L Gates, examined Ukraine's defense tech sector as a live innovation environment where drone, robotics, and AI development is accelerating rapidly — panelists pushed back on perceptions of high risk, warning that slow U.S. engagement cedes ground to already-active European partners. Panel Two, moderated by Maria Kostytska, Partner at K&L Gates, addressed energy and critical minerals, covering the war-driven shift toward decentralized and resilient energy systems, the renewed role of nuclear power, and the mandate of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund (URIF) across energy, minerals, infrastructure, telecom, and emerging technologies. Panel Three, moderated by Irina Paliashvili, President & CEO of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), framed reconstruction as large-scale economic modernization tied to EU accession.

A recurring theme across all sessions was the gap between high-level reconstruction needs and bankable, investment-ready projects — with tools like URIF and DFC financing seen as critical bridges. Significant attention was devoted to the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk as a key opportunity for the U.S. private sector to engage. At an estimated $600 billion in reconstruction needs, Ukraine represents one of the largest modernization opportunities globally.

📌 Read more https://usubc.org/usubc-and-kl-gates-co-hosted-business-forum-u-s-private-sector-engagement-in-ukraines-reconstruction-on-the-road-to-the-ukraine-recovery-conference-urc-2026-i/

Photo credit: David Hunsinger

🇺🇸🇺🇦 On 7 May, USUBC, in partnership with Ukraine House and the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America, co-hosted an Evening with the Ukrainian Defenders Leadership Center at Ukraine House in Washington, D.C. The event brought together supporters, partners, and members of the Ukrainian and American communities to highlight ongoing efforts to support Ukrainian veterans through education, leadership development, and civic engagement as they transition from military service to civilian life.

Established within the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, the Ukrainian Defenders Leadership Center presented updates on its growing impact and future ambitions. Speakers included Yana Chapailo and Maria Savrun from the Ukrainian Defenders Leadership Center, as well as Dmytro Ternovyi, veteran and former Hospitallers combat medic and Marine, who shared his personal story of recovery and reintegration after being severely injured near Avdiivka. Over the past two years, the Center has graduated more than 120 veterans through four executive education programs, delivering over 860 hours of specialized training with support from corporate partners and international grants.

Keynote remarks were delivered by Ambassador William B. Taylor, who emphasized the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the importance of long-term support for veterans returning home. Marta Farion of the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America also addressed guests, highlighting the role of philanthropy in advancing the Academy’s mission and recognizing supporters of the initiative. The evening was moderated by Mariia Ulianovska, Voice of America, and concluded with expressions of gratitude to all partners and attendees for supporting Ukraine’s veteran community and future leaders.

📸 Photo credit: Ukraine House

📣 On 8 May, USUBC organized the panel “AI for Recovery and Demining in Ukraine” during the third AI+ Expo in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Special Competitive Studies Project as part of the full Ukraine Day program “Innovation Under Fire: Lessons Learned from Ukraine.” The Ukraine-focused programming brought together government officials, technology leaders, innovators, and private sector representatives to showcase how Ukraine’s wartime innovations are driving advancements in AI, drones, cybersecurity, digital governance, infrastructure, and resilience technologies with far-reaching global impact.

The event also featured keynote remarks by Ambassador Stefanishyna Olga, who emphasized Ukraine’s growing role as a trusted innovation and technology partner, noting: “If you are looking for a trustworthy partner, choose Ukrainian one — it is very well tested.”

Reflecting these broader themes of innovation, resilience, and recovery, the USUBC panel, moderated by Nadiia Khomaziuk, USUBC Vice President, explored how AI-driven technologies are helping Ukraine address critical reconstruction challenges — from transparency and compliance to workforce development, infrastructure recovery, risk management, and demining.

Panelists shared practical examples of how Ukrainian organizations are deploying innovative technologies and AI-enabled solutions to support Ukraine’s resilience and long-term recovery:

🔹 Dmytro Ovcharenko, Alcor, discussed the importance of human capital and global talent integration in Ukraine’s recovery, emphasizing that rebuilding the country will require not only infrastructure and investment, but also skilled professionals capable of driving innovation and scaling advanced technologies.

🔹 Yulia O'Connell, Dignitas Ukraine, highlighted technology training programs for defenders, veterans, amputees, and youth, demonstrating how drone operations, robotics, and AI-related education are helping build an inclusive, future-ready workforce.

🔹 Nina Sharaievska, Softengi, presented an autonomous AI agent designed to support compliance and recovery audits through analysis of documents, photos, videos, and regulatory requirements, helping strengthen transparency and accountability across reconstruction projects.

🔹 Oleksandr Vainer, UADAMAGE 🇺🇦, demonstrated how AI-powered damage assessment, drone reconnaissance, and risk-mapping technologies can support faster recovery planning, infrastructure assessment, and more efficient landmine contamination analysis.

The discussion underscored how Ukraine is becoming a global testing ground for AI-enabled resilience technologies, autonomous systems, robotics, and digital solutions that can help improve transparency, efficiency, and coordination across recovery and reconstruction efforts.

👏 USUBC thanks all speakers, members, and participants who joined this important conversation on the role of innovation and AI in building a more resilient, modern, and secure Ukraine.

📸 Photo credit: Some photos featured in this post were sourced from the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA / Посольство України в США social media pages.

📣 The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) will organize the panel “AI for Recovery and Demining in Ukraine” during the third AI+ Expo in Washington, D.C. As part of the Ukraine Program, this final panel will take place on Friday, May 8 at 3:00 PM.

The AI+Expo event is organized by the Special Competitive Studies Project - SCSP and will be held from 7-9 May at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The AI+Expo convenes leaders across AI, technology, and U.S. and allied competitiveness to foster collaboration and build strategic relationships. Please note that all participants, including speakers, are required to register through the general Expo registration link, with no separate registration needed for the panel.

📌 Read more https://expo.scsp.ai/

🇺🇸🇺🇦 The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), in partnership with Ukraine House and the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America, a valued USUBC member, will host an Evening with the Ukrainian Defenders Leadership Center at Ukraine House in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, 7 May at 6 PM. The event will highlight the Center’s work in supporting Ukrainian veterans through education, community engagement, and leadership development, equipping them to contribute to Ukraine’s long-term recovery and reconstruction.

Established within the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, the Center brings together veterans, academia, and cross-sector partners to foster leadership and civic engagement. This May, its team will visit Washington to present its work and engage with partners and stakeholders.

Keynote remarks will be delivered by the Honorable William B. Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. Speakers will also include Yana Chapailo, Director of the Ukrainian Defenders Leadership Center, Dmytro Ternovyi, veteran and former Hospitallers combat medic and Marine, and Mariia Savrun, Partnerships and Development Director of the Center.

📌 Register https://forms.gle/fyfV9cyf1vopuYdQ9

📣 On 28 April, USUBC in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, hosted a webinar focused on emerging investment opportunities linked to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts and the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk. The discussion brought together senior representatives of the U.S. and Ukrainian governments, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C., and the private sector to explore the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund (URIF), available support mechanisms, and practical pathways for U.S. companies seeking to engage in Ukraine’s recovery.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Cameron Werker, Deputy Assistant Secretary (Acting) for Europe and Eurasia, International Trade Administration (ITA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The discussion featured Jonathan Taylor, Associate General Counsel, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC); Elizabeth Shortino, Managing Director, Public Sector Services, Alvarez & Marsal, LLC; Yegor Perelygin, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine; Leon Skarshinski, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce’s Foreign Commercial Service; Magda Zgorzałek, Diplomat, Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C.

Moderated by Irina Paliashvili, President & CEO of USUBC, the conversation explored key priorities for Ukraine’s recovery, the structure and strategic role of URIF, and the importance of coordinated international engagement ahead of the URC 2026 in Gdańsk. Panelists highlighted the critical role of private sector involvement, underscored available financial and institutional support tools, and encouraged U.S. companies to actively explore opportunities to contribute to Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction and economic growth. The discussion was followed by Q&A session moderated by Nadiia Khomaziuk, Vice President of USUBC.

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USUBC and the U.S. Department of Commerce Host Webinar on Business Opportunities in Ukraine: U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund (URIF) and Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk - U.S.-Ukraine Business Council On 28 April, USUBC in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, hosted a webinar focused on emerging investment opportunities linked to Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts and the upcoming Ukraine Recovery […]

The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) was honored to meet with a delegation from its member organization, the Благодійний Фонд "Діти Героїв", during their visit to the United States as part of an academic tour of leading U.S. universities.

The delegation included a group of highly talented Ukrainian teenagers — children of fallen heroes — each with a deeply personal story, yet united by remarkable resilience, ambition, and a strong vision for their future and for Ukraine.

During the meeting, the students asked thoughtful and insightful questions, demonstrating a high level of engagement and maturity, as well as a genuine interest in education, leadership, and contributing to Ukraine’s recovery and development.

USUBC is proud to count Children of Heroes among its members and to support an organization carrying out such meaningful and impactful work for Ukraine’s next generation.

📣 The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), in cooperation with the American Coalition for Ukraine, co-organized a high-level panel on U.S.-Ukraine economic relations at the Ukraine Action Summit Conference on April 19, 2026.

Moderated by Nadiia Khomaziuk, Vice President of USUBC, the discussion focused on how U.S. private sector investment in Ukraine delivers tangible benefits to the U.S. economy, building on insights reflected in USUBC’s Impact Brief.

The panel featured leading USUBC member companies, including Stephanie Murphy, Vice President of Crop Science and Corporate Government Affairs at Bayer; Katie Strangis, Vice President of Government and International Affairs at Westinghouse Electric Company; and Matthew Murray, Chair of the Board of Advisors at Velta Holdings US and Adjunct Professor at Columbia University and Georgetown University.

Panelists shared practical, experience-based perspectives on operating in Ukraine. Both Bayer and Westinghouse highlighted their long-standing presence in the country and continued commitment to the market, underscoring how sustained investment supports U.S. jobs, energy security, food security, and global competitiveness. Matthew Murray emphasized the strategic importance of Ukraine’s critical minerals sector, including titanium, highlighting the role of companies like Velta in strengthening resilient supply chains and advancing U.S.-Ukraine industrial cooperation, while also underscoring the need for targeted policy measures to deepen bilateral cooperation, address supply chain vulnerabilities, and accelerate private sector engagement.

The session drew strong engagement from participants, with an active Q&A and continued discussions during the break, reflecting significant interest in the topic as stakeholders prepared for advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.

As part of the broader Summit program (April 19–22), which brought together over 500 participants from across the United States, the panel provided timely insights to support informed policy dialogue and strengthen the case for U.S. investment in Ukraine ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026 in Gdańsk.