U.S.-Ukraine Business Forum 2025:
Advancing Bilateral Economic Cooperation to a New Level

U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC)
Washington, D.C.

Wed, February 5, 2025

The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), in partnership with the Atlantic Council and within the framework of Ukrainian Week 2025, hosted the U.S.-Ukraine Business Forum – a bilateral summit of business, governmental and regional leaders, as well as top representatives of international financial institutions and industry experts. The Forum was held on 5 February 2025 in Washington, D.C.

At this pivotal time, the Forum reinforced the central role of USUBC as a unifying force for leading U.S. companies interested in Ukraine and leading Ukrainian companies striving to work with U.S. partners. The Forum served as a platform to advance investment plans, partnerships and business deals. As one example, USUBC member Hill International, Inc. signed an MOU with Serhii Sukhomlyn, Head of the Agency for the Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine.

Irina Paliashvili, USUBC President & CEO said: “The Forum turned out to be a major success – it was the right time and the right place to hold this business gathering in Washington, D.C. Our three Forum panels – focusing on rebuilding Ukraine through regional development and spotlighting key sectors: infrastructure, energy, critical raw materials (CRM), agriculture, IT and defense – led to the clear conclusion that Ukraine presents a tremendous opportunity to the U.S. and, in many ways, can serve as a strategic partner in the increasing worldwide competition for these key sectors."

Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, who participated virtually, emphasized that “one of the reasons for Russian aggression is its intention to seize Ukraine’s natural resources and defense industrial complex for future use against Western countries. Ukraine is an opportunity for the United States to restore and assert its military power. Now is the best time to strengthen cooperation between our countries.”

The Forum featured an illustrious roster of prominent speakers. We extend our gratitude to the panel moderators for their masterful guidance during the panel discussions: Vlad Skots (CEO of USKO Express Inc. and Co-Chair of Ukrainian American House), Lev Holubec (Partner, PwC Consulting Solutions) and Dana Linnet (CEO, The Summit Group DC).

A highlight of the Forum was the participation of prominent American businessman and philanthropist Dell Loy Hansen, founder of Wasatch Group and Hansen Ukrainian Mission, who donated $130 million to rebuild communities in Ukraine that serve as a catalyst for the development of local infrastructure and economies.

We are deeply grateful to Forum’s Premium Partners for their generous support: USKO Express, SPP Development Ukraine Group of Companies, BGV Group Management and Ukrainian American House in Sacramento. A special thank you to Spyrt Worldwide, First Private Brewery and Zirkova Horilka, whose contributions of excellent Ukrainian beverages enhanced the networking experience at the Forum.

USUBC extends its gratitude to Ukrainian Week for entrusting us with organizing the Forum, and to the Atlantic Council for generously hosting us.

—

John Herbst, Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center and former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine:
"We were delighted to host the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council’s Forum for a five-star event involving thought leaders discussing Ukrainian prospects for victory, and turbocharged development after victory."

Vlad Skots, CEO of USKO Express Inc. and Co-Chair of Ukrainian American House:
“Rebuilding Ukraine is not just about fixing what was destroyed—it is about creating a stronger, more modern future. Today, we’re bringing together experts to talk about real solutions: how to fund projects, reduce risks, and build infrastructure and logistics that will drive long-term growth. With the right partnerships and smart investments, we can make Ukraine’s recovery both possible and sustainable."

Mykola Lukashuk, Governor of the Dnipropetrovsk Region:
“Потужний форум. Важливі питання. Гарна організацію. Сильні спікери.” – “Powerful Forum. Important Topics. Excellent organization. Strong Speakers”.