Unite for Ukraine at the U.S. Institute of Peace

Music remains one of the most powerful emotional outlets and mediums through which to share the story, cultural richness, and resilience of the people of Ukraine. On May 18th, we joined in that tradition by organizing a gathering of supporters of Ukraine, senior members of the Diplomatic Corps, Administration Officials, Members of Congress, and other Cultural Ambassadors for a concert of the world-renowned Washington National Opera Orchestra. Conducted by Principal Conductor Evan Rogister, the orchestra performed a mix of Ukrainian traditional music, classical songs of great beauty, and American compositions intended to capture the spirit of the evening. As the music swirled through the U.S. Institute of Peace, we called for an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, preparing both physical and emotional support.

The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation and Chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen jointly coordinated the concert, working in tandem to put on the event and sharing the proceeds between their joint missions. On the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation side, funding raised went to support Operation Ukraine AirLIFT—getting life-saving medical aid to Ukrainians in need—and the Ukraine Direct Action NGO Network (Project BlueCheck)—distributing grants to empower local Ukrainian aid projects. Project BlueCheck co-founder, Live Schrieber, hosted the event and spoke to the power of the BlueCheck initiative. On the World Central Kitchen side, funding raised helped provide meals across eight countries in response to the crisis created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The event began with the national anthems of the United States and of Ukraine, after which came a welcome from Margaret Brennan—the current moderator of “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on CBS News—and Dr. Donald Jensen—the director for Russia and Europe at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Before leaving the stage, Dr. Jensen introduced the event and the night’s most distinguished guest: Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova. Addressing the assembled crowd, Ambassador Markarova described the realities of life in Ukraine today, the ongoing importance of the collaboration between the United States and Ukraine (an important prelude to the aid legislation set to pass not long after), and the hope of all Ukrainians for a brighter future. Then the concert began. Between every song, a different component of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation’s or World Central Kitchen’s mission was described. Two new BlueCheck partners were detailed via deeply personal videos: Kidsave and the Lviv Symphony Orchestra.

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Among our guests, we were honored to have three Verkhovna Rada, theBlueCheck co-founders, Ukrainian star Roxolana, and just a few of those who have helped us in our enduring mission to serve the people of Ukraine. Thank you to everyone who joined us then and/or continues to stand with us as we unite for Ukraine.