United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio (UUOhio) - Українські Злучені Організації Огайо (УЗО)

Governor Mike and First Lady Fran DeWine open their home to displaced Ukrainians and Ohio Ukrainian community leaders

Who we are:

United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio brings together groups representing the ethnic, spiritual, economic, political and cultural interests of Ohio Ukrainians

Calendar

Sponsored by the Ukrainian National Information Service (UNIS), the Washington, DC public affairs bureau of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), this advocacy event is a very important endeavor for the Ukrainian American community especially given the nearly four-year war of russian aggression against Ukraine.

As Ukraine enters the fourth year of the kremlin’s full-scale invasion, the February 23-25 advocacy event will be an opportunity to meet in-person with congressional offices and to promote our concerns for immediate security assistance for Ukraine; imposing crippling sanctions against russia; designating russia as a State Sponsor of Terror; and, recognition of the current war and the kidnapping of Ukrainian children as genocide.

In observance of the fourth anniversary of russia’s genocidal war against Ukraine, “Ukrainian Days” advocacy program will include presentations of the “Friend of UNIS” award to Members of Congress and others who have shown overwhelming support for Ukraine and the enhancement of U.S.-Ukraine relations.

Ukrainian Days 2026 Registration

https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeh2s8kdcCFEE…/viewform

REGISTRATION ENDS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026

Advance our community’s concerns in Washington and meet your Members of Congress!

Прошу перевірити чи зв’язок діючий.

See you in Washington, DC!

News and Events

November 2025

UUOhio conducted our annual Holodomor-Genocide Commemoration on 11/22/25. We thank the clergy who conducted the service of remembrance and especially Father Hontaruk who hosted us at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. We are grateful for the attendance of our staunch allies, On November 22, 2025, our community participated in the annual Commemoration of the victims of the Holodomor-Genocide 1932-1933. We thank the many clergy members who concelebrated the solemn service and are particularly grateful to Father Hontaruk who hosted the event at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. We are grateful to our close allies- Suzana Češarek), Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia in Cleveland, Ingrida Bublys the Honorary General Consul of the Republic of Lithuania, Jeremy Sosin, Jeremy Sosin, president of the American Jewish Committee – Cleveland, Karlis Blums, Vice-President of the Latvian Association of Cleveland, Richard Sirvinskas – Board, Lithuanians of Cleveland. As usual, special recognition is due Dan Hanson, of Ethnic Cleveland, who recorded and posted the event https://www.clevelandpeople.com/…/holodomor-memorial.htm

The documentary film presented (27 minutes, English) we presented is accessible online.

https://www.tpt.org/holodomor-minnesota-memories-of…/

We thank the Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies for hosting the viewing of the film.

UUOhio thanks our Latvian-Americans for their steadfast support. We have learned the hard lessons of history together. Together we will work to make certain that our beloved United States of America does not repeat them.

UUOhio is deeply grateful to the American Jewish Commission for their wisdom and promptness in recognizing the effects of the current 28-point plan for peace. The Jewish people are unfortunately all too familiar with expressions of genocidal hatred, the last on October 7, 2023. The AJC has vigorously supported the cause of truth, justice and a robust defense of Ukraine in its battle against the Russian Federation. We appreciate the solidarity!

Congressional Ukraine Caucus Statement on President Trump’s Reported Ukraine-Russia Peace Plan

November 22, 2025

Press Release

Washington, DC — Today, Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), along with Representative Don Bacon (R-NE-02) Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation issued the following statement in response to the reported peace plan between Ukraine and Russia:

“The proposed ‘peace plan’ for Ukraine appears to favor the interests of the aggressor — Dictator Vladimir Putin — over the sovereignty and security of a democratic Ukraine. That is unacceptable. This framework does not offer a genuine path to lasting peace, but instead, demands the surrender and capitulation of Ukraine to Russian aggression. It rewards Russia’s unprovoked invasion, illegal seizure of Ukrainian territory, such as Crimea, and pressures Ukraine to limit its defense capabilities and abandon its aspirations for NATO membership.

Furthermore, Russia’s ambitions do not end at Ukraine’s borders. Putin continues to seek broader influence in Europe. Accepting this proposed plan not only submits Ukraine’s independence to Russian tyranny, but leaves all of Europe even more vulnerable to future Russian aggression. A responsible approach must support Ukraine’s sovereignty, strengthen its defense, and hold Russia accountable for its actions in coordination with our NATO and European Allies.

Reports indicate the plan was developed primarily by US and Russian officials, with limited to no consultation from Kyiv or key European partners. Allies have rightly rejected the proposal, describing it as a framework to reward aggression rather than defending Ukrainian freedom and securing peace through strength.

The Administration’s backing of this plan, raises serious concerns. As Members of the Free World, united across political lines, we call for decisive and principled action:

Reject any framework that requires Ukraine surrender further territory or cede legal authority over its sovereign land.
Maintain and strengthen sanctions on Russia until it fully withdraws and makes reparations.
Ensure Ukraine is a full, equal partner in any, and all, negotiations — not a passive recipient of Moscow-dictated terms.
Provide robust, enforceable security guarantees that deter further aggression.
Coordinate closely with NATO and European allies to uphold international norms and prevent renewed conflict in Europe.

The path to lasting peace must be rooted in justice and the sovereignty of Ukraine’s people. History is unambiguous: appeasing aggression does not end conflict, it enables its expansion. That warning echoes especially loud today on Holodomor Remembrance Day, during which the world commemorates the millions of Ukrainians murdered in the man-made, genocidal famines orchestrated by Moscow from 1932-1933. Allowing Russia to reclaim authority over Ukraine today would ignore that history and reopen the door to the same oppression Ukrainians have fought for generations to overcome.

Accepting this proposal as it is being reported would undermine European and NATO security, weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, and fail to address Russian aggression. The international community must remain firm in supporting Ukraine, upholding the principles of territorial integrity and self-determination, and rejecting any plan that rewards an aggressor. Lasting peace comes not from conceding to aggression, but from the strength and unity of free nations that refuse to bow to it.”

https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-ukraine-caucus-statement-president-trumps-reported?https://uuohio.org/wp-admin/admin.php?page=pollsfbclid=IwY2xjawOSuclleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeolAHMZRwQx0TB2TH0vf-CVHlGq9QHP1XpAuF1eBai4nzoMHxQb28x9tNq8E_aem_pq-mEKgz7yvgtqOCHXxBgg

UUOhio congratulates the Ukrainian National Womens League of America (UNWLA) Branch 8 for presenting the documentary film “Black Raven”, about the man-made famine, Holodomor-Genocide 1932-1933.

The event, at the Parma-Snow Library on November 15, 2025, was well attended. Desia Joseph (UNWLA) introduced the film. After the viewing, George Jaskiw, M.D. (UUOhio) provided historical context, a summary and then moderated a Q &A session. Parallels were drawn between the implementation by Soviet authorities of a man-made famine to destroy Ukrainian identity and the current genocidal war waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

Parma Snow-Library provided the auditorium and audio-visual support. The film was produced by Luba Keske and directed by George Wyhinny.

Desia Joseph (UNWLA) introduces the film

George (Yuri) Jaskiw, M.D., moderates the discussion.

Father John Nakonachny (St Vladmir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Parma) offers his thoughts.

UNWLA members

UUOhio commend Brandon Chrostowski, Cleveland’s culinary wunderkind, entrepreneur and staunch supporter of Ukraine for his successful mission to L’viv. Brandon raised money for a children’s hospital, prepared meals for displaced and wounded persons and with his family delivered medical supplies to the Children’s Hospital in Ukraine.

The supplies were donated by MedWish International and packaged by UUOhio and UMANA.

https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2025/10/cleveland-chefs-next-trip-to-ukraine-is-a-special-one.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawOSv2JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsbXN1S1lVTk81NFpLdExoc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlMudVcMSLYU0jz0tkiR2lK7wxw6t_SUIUokNGEvkHgmCAFKeAGVghcNpOIb_aem_H_zG3mDgNYmVq1ssFb4u_Q

October 2025

Ohioans joined over 700 attendees at the Ukraine Action Summit in Washington D.C., October 25-29. This event offered panel discussions, networking opportunities, an expo with numerous Ukraine-focused organizations and the opportunity to advocate on Capitol Hill.

Front Row, 2nd from left, Natalia Lebedin, President of the Ukrainian Cultural Association of Ohio. Back Row, 5th from left, Taras Malay, M.D., President Cleveland Maidan Association, 2nd from right, George E. Jaskiw, M.D., President UUOhio.

2025 International Healthcare Summit-Sept 23-29, Kyiv, Ukraine

Several members of the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio (UUOhio) attend the International Healthcare Summit.

Speakers included:

Taras Malay, M.D., Board Member Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA), President Cleveland Maidan Association: U.S. Procurement and Medical Exchange Coordinator University Hospitals Cleveland. “Venous Thromboembolism Risk and Prevention in Severe Trauma.”

Michael Samotowka, M.D., Board member of the Ohio Chapter of UMANA; Board member, MedGlobal; Staff Critical Care Surgeon, Cleveland VA Medical Center. “Drone Warfare: What’s on the Horizon.”

George E. Jaskiw, M.D., President UUOhio, Board member of Ohio Chapter of the UMANA, Professor of Psychiatry, School Medicine Case Western Reserve University. Substance Use and Disorders During War and its Aftermath.”

August 2025

2025 Ukrainian Independence Day Parade

UUOhio greets all the participants and observers in the 2025 Ukrainian Independence Day Parade held in Parma on August 23. The weather was excellent and the marchers energized. Over 50 groups marched

. Music was abundant and a good time was had by all.
We congratulate Andrew Fedynsky, who has honored as the Parade Marshal, in recognition of his lifelong work at the Ukrainian-Museum Archives, collecting, curating, securing funding and organizing written and other materials that tell the story of Ukrainian-Americans in Northeast Ohio. We thank his Excellency Bohdan Danylo, Ukrainian Catholic Bishop of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma for offering the opening prayer and also thank the Reverend Mykhailo Hontaruk, pastor of St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. Attendees heard wonderful renditions of the American and Ukrainian anthems, provided by Polina Kornyushenko, a student at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Mayor Time DeGeeter offered his enthusiastic support. We thank Representative Sean Brennan for attending and note that this was the first Ukrainian Independence Day Parade since Representative Brennan and Representative Seitz, along with others passed the historic HB. 360 in the spring of 2025, establishing August 24 as Ukrainian Independence Day in Ohio. We thank Governor Mike DeWine for issuing a Proclamation that was delivered by, Tobias Engel, Manager, International Affairs at the Ohio Department of Development. We are grateful for the attendance of the Mayor of Seven Hills Anthony Biasiotta and Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive. We also thank the multiple members of Parma City Council who also joined us. Dr. George (Yuriy) Jaskiw reminded those assembled of the significance of Ukrainian Independence Day, the similarities between the American and Ukrainian Constitutions, the geopolitical gravity and the threat to U.S. interests posed by the Russian Federation’s genocidal invasion of Ukraine. The speeches lauded Ukraine’s resilience and resolve to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity and pointed out the value to the prosperity and security of our United States to continuing supporting Ukraine.
A special note of gratitude is owed to Roman Fedkiw, the Chair of the Ukrainian Village Committee and to the many members of the committee who made the event a success.
God Bless America! Slava Ukraiini!

UUOhio thanks John Benson and the Sun Newspaper for reporting on our 2025 Independence Day Parade in Parma Ohio.

https://www.cleveland.com/community/2025/09/crowds-flock-to-ukrainian-village-parade-sun-postings.html

On August 24, the Parma Democratic Party bestowed the Volunteer Organization of the Year Award on the Ukrainian Village Commitee of the United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio (UUOhio). Accepting the award, on behalf of Roman Fedkiw, the Chair of the Committee is Dr. George Jaskiw, President of UUOhio. He is flanked by Mark Casselberry Cuyahoga County Councilman (District 4) on the left and Brian Day, Parma Auditor on the right.

UUOhio had the opportunity to welcome Father Piotr Kalinowsky and Sister Olena Panda, from the Church of the Assumption in Odessa.

Their visit to Cleveland 08/16-08/18/2025 was arranged by House Representative (OH District 9 – D) Marcy Kaptur (D). Father Piotr and Sister Punda have been in Odessa for many years. Despite the war, they have continued their work, ministering to the needy,visiting frontline cities and providing spiritual solace to all, including the armed forces.
While in Cleveland, they had the opportunity to visit St.Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Parma (host – subdeacon TarasVorobets), St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral (host – Rev. MykhailoHontaruk), Cleveland Cultural Gardens and the Ukrainian Museum Archives (host –Andriy Fedynsky) and the Polish-American Veterans Center. We are grateful to Mr. Dick Russ who helped arrange interviewsof Sister Olena by Fox News 8 and by WKYC 3. Sister Olena provided eyewitnessaccounts of the facts and impact of the war against Ukraine. CongresswomanMarcy Kaptur joined the interview on Fox News 8 and eloquently explained whysupporting Ukraine is in the interests of our United States.

https://fox8.com/news/nun-from-ukraine-in-ne-ohio-telling-horrors-of-war/

https://fox8.com/video/nun-from-ukraine-visits-ne-ohio-to-share-horrors-of-war/10990914

We thank Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur for arranging the visit, accompanying the visitors, joining the interview and for advocating for increased support for Ukraine.

May 2025

UUOhio expresses its deep gratitude to Anthony Biasiotta, the Mayor of Seven Hills Ohio, for using the city website to highlight our community’s participation in the annual Seven Hills Memorial Day Parade.

https://www.sevenhillsohio.org/mayors-corner

February 2025

The United Ukrainian Organizations of Ohio express their gratitude to Governor DeWine for honoring the truth. The Russian Federation is an imperialistic, genocidal engine for the commission of war crimes. Its president is an indicted war criminal.

Prayer for peace in Ukraine in the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Andrew, Parma, OH, February 23, 2025.

Ambassador Oksana Markarova on Fox News Live discussed with Kevin Corley possible talks to end the war in Ukraine and membership in NATO.

https://www.foxnews.com/video/6368931647112?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2cqtonK9w5mbtLcDhkNOn6LzCgTOvqQ3SUPLUqlECHlWphgJGwYGHx9hw_aem_pHI9NQ0KNw8noWMR2-G5eQ

Act Now! Recognize Holodomor as Genocide! Sign the petition to The President of the United States requesting the US formally recognize the Holodomor as genocide in this 90th commemorative year. https://www.change.org/p/urge-president-biden-to-recognize-holodomor-as-genocide?source_location=search

Aid to Ukraine

Shipping from The Port of Cleveland to Ukraine

Ukrainian Cultural Gardens, at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park, Cleveland, Ohio

Click here to read about the Ukrainian Cultural Gardens on Cleveland.com:

Use this QR code to listen to an introduction to the Ukrainian Cultural Gardens.

Huge thanks to the John Carroll University students, who braved the damp weather on October 20th. Eleven student volunteers (plus two from the Ukrainian community) energetically worked for several hours in the Ukrainian Garden, removing tree limbs, general debris and raking leaves. Thank you for your interest, energy and good humor – they left the garden in beautiful condition!