The meeting with one of “cyborgs” Oleksander Chub who featured in the documentary followed the screening. Vadym Maznychenko and Oleksander Kosolapov – the defenders of Ukraine who are currently on treatment in Walter Reed National Medical Military Center after being severely wounded during counterterrorism operation, attended the event.

Addressing the guests of the Embassy, including American students, NGO’s and media, Ambassador Valeriy Chaly briefed them about the developments in the context of Ukraine’s fight for its territorial integrity and sovereignty against Russian external assault.

The head of Ukrainian diplomatic mission in the US highlighted heroism of all Ukraine’s defenders, including “cyborgs” of the Donetsk airport, who stopped the advance of aggressor’s forces and ensured the opportunity for diplomatic settlement. Valeriy Chaly noted that the documentary reflected the first year of counteracting aggression, when volunteer battalions shoulder to shoulder with the Armed Forces stood up to defend Ukraine. Those volunteers were people of various backgrounds from different regions of our country, including mostly Russian-speaking communities. In the meantime, professional military units formed on the model of contemporary standards with the assistance of international partners, first of all the US, have already replaced those volunteer battalions.

The audience of the screening paid tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine by observing the Moment of Silence.