On Monday, December 9, 2024, USUBC held its 29th Annual Business Luncheon, "Moving Ukraine Ahead in 2025", at the historic Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C. The event gathered USUBC Board Members and distinguished guests to discuss Ukraine's priorities for the coming year.

Keynote remarks were delivered by Ambassador Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States and Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources and former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. A panel of esteemed speakers, including Dr. Anders Aslund (Stockholm Free World Forum), Mark Simakovsky (USAID), Dr. Kimberly Kagan (Institute for the Study of War), and Lt. Gen. Michael Howard (ret) (ML Howard Consulting), provided insights into Ukraine's reconstruction, energy resilience, defense sector and strategic partnerships.

During the luncheon, Van Yeutter, Vice President, Corporate Affairs at Cargill and one of the USUBC’s longest serving Executive Committee member, received the USUBC Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his long-time commitment and dedicated service.

USUBC was also honored to welcome wounded Ukrainian veterans currently undergoing treatment in the United States, whose courage and presence served as a poignant reminder of Ukraine's ongoing fight for freedom and sovereignty.

A special thank you to AeroVironment, Westinghouse, and ADM for sponsoring this year's Annual Business Luncheon. Additionally, USUBC extends its gratitude to the People of Ukraine Foundation, a long-time member of USUBC, for their invaluable support in organizing this impactful event.