Celebration of Independence Day of Ukraine was attended by officials, politicians, diplomats, representatives of business and non-governmental organizations of the two countries and Ukrainian diaspora. Heroes of the Antiterrorist Operation, who currently undergo treatment in the USA, also took part in the event.

Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Valeriy Chaly congratulated the attendees with the 24th anniversary of Independence of Ukraine and thanked the United States for its support and solidarity with our country. He also urged the US to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine, which fights for freedom and democracy not only in the country but also in the world.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Bridget Brink and member of the House of Representatives, co-chairman of "Ukrainian Caucus" in Congress Marcy Kaptur also welcomed the participants, reaffirming strong support of the United States for Ukraine and its democratic aspirations.

The documentary “Winter on Fire” reminded those present about the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine, during which the Ukrainian people fought for freedom and democracy. The film has become a tribute to heroism, strong spirit and determination of the Ukrainian people. American audience had the opportunity to get familiar with the documentary for the first time during the event. After world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in the beginning of September, the film received widespread acclaim on behalf of critics and the public, taking the prize of the Grolsch People’s Choice Documentary Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The celebration was also attended by the Patriarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Filaret, who awarded the Order of St. Prince Volodymyr to the director Evgeniy Afineevsky after the screening.

During the event, Ambassador Valeriy Chaly has also presented the guests with the book in the framework of “The Country of Dignity” campaign, which tells the story of Ukraine’s path to freedom and democracy. The book also explores the extraordinary effort of Ukraine aimed at mobilization of international support in countering Russian aggression and ensuring the release of Nadiya Savchenko, Oleh Sentsov, Oleksandr Kolchenko and other illegally imprisoned Ukrainian citizens.