USUBC Extends Warm Wishes This Thanksgiving

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council would like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to our members, partners, and friends. Your unwavering commitment and steadfast support have been a beacon of hope and resilience during these challenging times for Ukraine. Together, we have fostered meaningful partnerships, supported critical initiatives, and championed the values of freedom and democracy that unite us. Your dedication is not only shaping the future of Ukraine but also reinforcing the enduring bond between our two nations.

This Thanksgiving, we reflect on the strength of our community and the impact we can achieve when united by a shared purpose. Thank you for your generosity, your vision, and your resolve to stand with Ukraine in its time of need. As we give thanks, we are reminded that, together, we can overcome any challenge and build a brighter future. On behalf of the entire USUBC family, we wish you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving filled with peace, love, and gratitude.

 

USUBC Upcoming Events

Washington DC: USUBC Annual Meeting and Business Luncheon

On Monday, December 9, 2024, USUBC will hold its 29th Annual Business Meeting in Washington, D.C., from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (D.C. time) — 16:30 to 18:30 (Kyiv time). The meeting will be held in-person and via Zoom. Annual elections for the USUBC Executive Committee, President, Secretary/Treasurer, and Chair positions for CY2025 will be conducted.

USUBC Board Members, with those attending in Washington, D.C., are invited to an Annual Business Luncheon afterward.

For question about attendance, please contact Nadiia Khomaziuk, USUBC Executive Director in Washington, D.C., at nkhomaziuk@usubc.org

 

Online: USUBC webinar: “The Air Force Capability Coalition and Ukraine’s Future Force: Acquiring Capabilities and Effects”

This event will explore acquiring capabilities in the defense, aerospace, and dual-use sectors, defense procurement, and prospects for international cooperation.

Speakers include Maj Gen (ret) Charles “Corky” Corcoran, Ukraine Freedom Fund Advisory Board member; Lt Col Kenji Matsuda, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Liaison Officer to Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltics; Daniel Bilak, Partner and Director of Kinstellar’s Ukraine office; and Irina Paliashvili, Acting President & CEO of USUBC. Read more…

Online | Wed, Dec 4, 2024

 

Kyiv: USUBC, in partnership with USUBC member law firm Asters, are hosting an ArtAsters opening reception for the exhibition by renowned Ukrainian artist Victor Sydorenko "Imaginary Rigidity of Empathy"

Victor Sydorenko is a prominent Ukrainian artist celebrated for his unique approach to contemporary art. Working across mediums like painting and sculpture, he explores themes of identity, social change, and the human experience.

Blending realism with abstraction, his thought-provoking pieces engage viewers in both personal and universal narratives. His work has been showcased internationally, including at the Venice Biennale, earning acclaim for its depth and emotional impact. Read more…

Kyiv | Wed, Dec 4, 2024

 

USUBC News and Events

 

Kyiv and Washington, D.C.| Tue, Nov 26, 2024

The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), along with the family of its late President, Morgan Williams, is proud to announce a joint donation to Ukraine’s National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide.

The donation consists of a collection of artworks and books dedicated to the Holodomor, the genocide by forced starvation that claimed millions of Ukrainian lives in the first half of the 20th century under the Soviet regime.

Since the early 1990s, Morgan Williams devoted decades to meticulously gathering Holodomor-related art and literature, creating the largest and most significant private collection in the world. His lifelong goal was to ensure this collection would belong to the Ukrainian nation. The donation was symbolically finalized during the recent commemoration of the Holodomor anniversary.

Williams dedicated much of his life to fostering strong business relations between the United States and Ukraine. His unparalleled contributions to Ukraine’s economic and cultural landscape, combined with this donation, affirm his status as a profoundly influential figure in Ukraine's modern history.

Coverage of Williams' legacy and the significance of the collection can be found in a recent article by Voice of America: Read the article and watch the accompanying video, where members of his family share their reflections on his dedication to Ukraine.

Read more
 

U.S.-Ukraine Business Council Welcomes SPYRT Worldwide Inc. as a New Member

SPYRT Worldwide is an importer and distributor of Ukrainian wine and vodka, driven by a mission of service and cultural exchange.

The company’s journey began in April 2022 in a Ukrainian safe house, with US and Ukrainian military veterans serving as wartime volunteer advisors. Over time working on the war effort, and many nights at the safe house dining room table, the realization dawned that some of the best wines and spirits in the war were completely unavailable in the United States.  These products could create a new understanding of Ukraine for American consumers and help the economic recovery of Ukraine. At that safe house table the concept for Spyrt Worldwide was born.

“SPYRT Worldwide’s story is a testament to wartime resilience and innovation,” said Sam Lerman, CEO of SPYRT Worldwide Inc. “Our company was born out of a shared commitment to Ukraine's freedom and future. By creating opportunities for Ukrainian entrepreneurs and introducing the unmatched flavors of Ukraine to the US, we are not only sharing a piece of Ukraine’s soul but also contributing to its economic recovery. Joining USUBC strengthens our ability to build lasting connections between Ukrainian producers and American consumers.”

SPYRT Worldwide stands out not only for its commitment to quality but also for its dedication to supporting Ukraine’s liberation and post-war reconstruction. A significant portion of the company’s profits are allocated to humanitarian and defense causes. After Ukraine’s victory, these contributions will transition to rebuilding efforts, further demonstrating SPYRT Worldwide’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s prosperity and resilience.

“We are thrilled to welcome SPYRT Worldwide to the USUBC,” stated Irina Paliashvili, Acting President of USUBC. “Their innovative approach to promoting Ukrainian products to the US and their commitment to supporting Ukraine during and after the war aligns with USUBC’s mission. SPYRT Worldwide exemplifies how business can be a force for positive change, even in the face of adversity.”

 

Kyiv | Tue, Nov 26, 2024

Kyiv: USUBC team continues to facilitate war relief donations between USUBC members

On November 26, the USUBC team continued its on-going initiative on facilitating war relief donations among its members. This time, the donation was provided by USUBC Member Accordbank, a nationwide universal bank with a full range of services across all segments—from private clients to large corporate businesses.

Accordbank is ranked among the Top 5 in Ukraine for cash collection services, the Top 8 for its extensive regional network, and the Top 20 by total assets.

Accordbank provided critical equipment to Dmytro Kushnir, Development Director of Deminetec, which is also a USUBC member.  Dmytro recently began serving with the 4th Rapid Reaction Brigade "Rubizh" of the National Guard of Ukraine. Deminetec specializes in explosive risk management, including munitions (UXO) detection through geophysical diagnostics, mine clearance, and the destruction or neutralization of explosive devices.

Read more
 
 

Member Spotlight

 

Shell Exits Ukrainian Market After a Legacy of Significant Contributions

Shell, a prominent member of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council, has announced its exit from the Ukrainian market through an agreement with PJSC Ukrnafta to acquire its stake in Alliance Holding LLC.

This transaction, subject to approval by the Government of Ukraine, will transfer Shell's network of 131 filling stations under new management while ensuring continued operations, customer service, and employment for its workforce. Since entering Ukraine in 2007, Shell has invested over $460 million in the economy, retained its workforce during the ongoing conflict, and remained one of the largest taxpayers in the fuel sector.

Shell's contributions extend beyond business operations, with a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. Recognized as one of the best employers in Ukraine, Shell Ukraine has supported initiatives such as gender equality through the HeForShe movement and inclusion efforts, earning awards like the Veteran Friendly Award from Veteran Hub. The company has also played an instrumental role in Ukraine's recovery, supplying over 3,000 tons of bitumen for road reconstruction projects and maintaining electric vehicle charging stations across 16% of its network.

In response to Russia's war against Ukraine, Shell has demonstrated solidarity through significant humanitarian aid, with donations exceeding $74 million by 2023. This includes funding for critical infrastructure, support for refugees in partnership with international organizations, and contributions to local Ukrainian charities. Shell’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine's resilience and development underscores its legacy as a responsible and impactful international investor.

 
 

Members and Partners Upcoming Events

 

Warsaw, Poland

Dec 2-3, 2024

Agro & Food Security Forum 2024

The forum, organized by the Community of Pulse Producers and Customers of Ukraine and the Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, will address critical issues in agriculture, trade, logistics, and investment. The event will feature over 300 participants from 25 countries, offering insights into the dynamic agricultural market, innovative solutions, and networking opportunities.

More about event

Kyiv and Online

Wed, Dec 4, 2024

Energy Security Dialogue 2024

The conference, organized by DiXi Group, will bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address Ukraine’s pressing energy challenges and explore strategies for resilience and independence. Key discussions will focus on countering threats, strengthening regional energy security, and leveraging EU partnerships to enhance the reliability of energy systems. Register

More about event

Kyiv and Online

Thu, Dec 12, 2024

5th International Forum "Human Capital: Value, Quality, Development"

The forum is organized by the National Qualifications Agency (NQA) in partnership with Helvetas Ukraine within the project “Contributing to a Favorable Economic Environment for Returnees, IDPs, and War-Affected Populations in Ukraine”. This event will explore the European integration of Ukraine’s qualifications system, development of qualification centers, and advancements in the National Qualifications Framework. Register

More about event

Washington, DC

Tue, Dec 17, 2024

U.S. launch of renowned Ukrainian wine and vodka brands by SPYRT Worldwide: SHABO Wine, Hetman Vodka, and Ukrainian Spirit Vodka

The event, organized by SPYRT Worldwide, will celebrate the U.S. launch of premier Ukrainian brands SHABO Wine, Hetman Vodka, and Ukrainian Spirit Vodka. Hosted by Crowell & Moring LLP, this exclusive evening will feature wine tastings, signature cocktails, and insights from distinguished speakers, including Kurt Volker and SHABO Winery owner Giorgi Iukuridze. Register

For questions, please contact Rose Sarti at rose@spyrtworldwide.com

 

Members and Partners News

 
 

DFC, IFC, and Raiffeisen Bank Ukraine Join Forces to Support Ukrainian Businesses

by DFC | Wed, Nov 20, 2024

EBRD, European Union and United States help Kyiv prepare for winter

by EBRD | Tue, Nov 19, 2024

EOD market in Ukraine: opportunities beyond mine clearance

by DLF attorneys-at-law| Thu, Nov 14, 2024

Tech Trends and Related Legal Issues in Construction

by Baker & McKenzie | Thu, Nov 14, 2024

Current trends in healthcare technology: Report from N-iX

by N-iX | Mon, Nov 25, 2024

UkraineInvest and Japan International Cooperation Agency join forces to attract investment for Ukraine's reconstruction

by UkraineInvest | Thu, Nov 14, 2024

 
 

Recent Developments

 

Ministry of Economy of Ukraine

Tue, Nov 26, 2024

The Export Credit Agency insures another investment project against war risks

Its total amount is UAH 92 million. The project is being implemented by Vilis, a private enterprise that produces pasta and apple jam. The company is investing half of the amount (UAH 52 million) with its own funds, and taking out an investment loan from Ukreximbank for another UAH 40 million.

Read more
 

If you are a USUBC member, we would like to share news and updates about your company with our network. Please send Ukraine-related materials to Khrystyna Titarchuk, Social Media Manager at ktitarchuk@usubc.org