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US Ambassador Brink on 7 things about Ukraine she admires

Life

12 October 2024, 12:19 AM

U.S. Ambassador Bridget A. Brink tells NV about the features of modern Ukraine she admires the most.

The Heroic People of Ukraine

Photo: Viacheslav Ratynskyi / Reuters

From President Zelenskyy, who led his nation and the world in support of Ukraine’s independence, to the brave defenders fighting on the frontlines for their country’s freedom, to the first responders and electrical workers who are saving lives and keeping the power on. The best part of my job is meeting the courageous people of this country and being able to say: with $136 billion in assistance since the start of the full-scale invasion and through the creation of a global coalition of partners, America has your back.

The Revolution of Dignity

Photo: Mehdi Chebil / Reuters

When thousands of Ukrainians from across the country came together on the Maidan in 2013 to demand that Ukrainians chose their own future – and that choice was to join the family of European nations. The Revolution of Dignity is another moment that demonstrated the power of the Ukrainian people and of the values we share.

The Vyshyvanka

Photo: Alamy via Reuters

A beautiful symbol of Ukrainian pride that brings luck and protection. I appreciate that the designs are the cultural legacy of generations of women who guarded Ukraine’s rich history by passing them down to their children, even when doing so was considered a crime.

Ukrzaliznytsia

Photo: AFP / East News

Thanks to the Iron People of Ukrzaliznytsia, millions of civilians have been able to escape danger, cargo has continued to move throughout the country, and world leaders have been able to come to Ukraine during Russia’s war. I am grateful that UZ supports us and our visitors, including the historic visit of President Biden in February 2023.

Ukrainian Musicians

Volodymyr Ivasyuk / Photo: DR

Slava Vakarchuk, Jamala, and old favorites like Volodymyr Ivasyuk. The singers whose music showcases Ukraine to the world and buoys the nation. Russia is trying to take away Ukraine’s culture, but this will never happen. Ukraine’s voice is loud, clear, and strong - and inspiring to us all.

Ukrainian Borshch

Photo: VALENTYN OGIRENKO / Reuters

The dish so central to Ukraine’s identity that it made UNESCO’s cultural heritage list, with advocacy from the famous Chef Klopotenko. Borshch puts the Ukrainian kitchen on the world’s menu. It’s eaten everywhere, and it’s delicious!

The Ukrainian Staff at U.S. Embassy in Kyiv

Photo: deTisonnier via FB

I am so thankful to serve alongside the amazing Ukrainians on our Embassy team. They are the engine that powers our bilateral relationship. We would be lost without their guidance, their hard work, and their commitment to their country and its bright future. Slava Ukraini!

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