Featured participants included the Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly, the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller, Congresswoman and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Samopomich (Self-Reliance) Parliamentary Faction Leader Oleh Bereziuk, member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Head of the Committee on Prevention and Fighting Corruption Egor Soboliev and Most Reverend Bishop John Bura.

Also in attendance were representatives of the U.S. State Department, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Congress, diplomatic missions of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, Republic of Slovenia, Slovak Republic, Malta, Sweden, the EU delegation, NGOs, Ukrainian diaspora, business, media and religious communities.

In his remarks, Valeriy Chaly extended sincere appreciation to the G7 countries, including the United States, as well as the European Union and many other partners of Ukraine, for their valuable contributions in overcoming the horrible effects of the Сhornobyl disaster. He also elaborated on the importance of preserving international solidarity in the wake of the Russian policy of concealing the truth about its aggression against Ukraine, and the Soviet-style propaganda that was also employed during the Chornobyl catastrophe. The Ambassador called upon the international community to closely follow recent dangerous developments regarding nuclear security in occupied Crimea, as well as in the area of Donbas that is affected by Russian aggression.

In her speech, Rose Gottemoeller remarked on Ukrainian expertise in the field of nuclear power, and underlined that “Ukraine continues to lead the way on this source of important power for the future.” The Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security also stressed the continuing American commitment “to work together with Ukraine on both dealing with the consequences of Chornobyl and dealing with energy security.” 

Oleh Bereziuk elaborated on the importance of continuing the high quality social and medical assistance to the courageous emergency workers and volunteers who were exposed to high radiation doses while fighting the fire, and heroically covering the damaged 4^th reactor with the Shelter.

Addressing the audience, Marcy Kaptur, on behalf of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, underlined that “the effects of disaster linger socially, economically, and culturally and Chornobyl's legacy remains a heavy burden for the people of Ukraine. That is why continued American humanitarian aid in the region is vital.” She also reaffirmed the strong support by the United States for Ukraine and its democratic aspirations.