On 4 February, the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) convened its annual U.S.-Ukraine Business Forum 2026: Innovation and Regional Development in Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of Ukrainian Week.
The detailed Program of the Forum and Speakers’ bios are available here
Building on the USUBC ongoing central role in advancing bilateral dialogue on reconstruction, investment, innovation and regional development, the Forum once again served as a premier platform bringing together the top tier of Ukrainian business, government and regional leadership with U.S. companies, investors and industry experts.
Across three high-level panels, the discussions reflected a shared understanding: Ukraine’s recovery is a forward-looking full economic transformation driven by innovation, resilience and partnerships.
The Forum focused on the key areas, which closely followed the sectors included in the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund (URIF) investment portfolio:
- Regional Recovery and Development: infrastructure, logistics and transport; increasing role of IT and AI in Agro sector; insights on strategies and projects for regional recovery and growth; financing, war risk insurance, making the projects bankable; prosperity-oriented investment and development.
- Strategic Emerging Technologies: Defense Tech, uncrewed systems and autonomous technologies, robotics, dual use, Defense IT, AI-driven systems; the role of DFIs, IFIs, venture capital and strategic investors; cooperation opportunities in the defense tech sector, scaling defense innovation, testing, and rapid product deployment.
- Energy and Minerals: unlocking Ukraine’s natural resources potential; investment-readiness in energy, mining and related sectors; the pivotal role of U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund (URIF) in the Energy/Minerals sector.
Introductory remarks were delivered by Stephanie Murphy (Bayer U.S.), Irina Paliashvili (USUBC) and Pavlo Unguryan (Ukrainian Week).
We extend our gratitude to the illustrious roster of prominent speakers, and to the moderators for their masterful guidance of the panel discussions: Vlad Skots (CEO of USKO Express Inc. and Co-Chair of Ukrainian American House), Debra Cagan (Atlantic Council), and Amb. Geoffrey R. Pyatt (McLarty Associates).
USUBC is deeply grateful to the Forum partners — USKO Logistics, BGV Group Management, Westinghouse, Agrosem, and Ukrainian House in Sacramento — for their support and commitment to strengthening U.S.–Ukraine economic cooperation. We offer a special thank-you to King & Spalding for generously hosting the Forum at their spectacular headquarters and to Ukrainian Week for its valued partnership.
As Ukraine advances its recovery and modernization, USUBC remains committed to convening the leaders, investors, and decision-makers helping shape the country’s economic future and fostering impactful partnerships and investments.
Vlad Skots, CEO, USKO Express Inc.:
“Ukraine’s recovery will be driven by partnerships grounded in discipline, accountability, and American standards of execution.
Proud to contribute to a dialogue focused on outcomes, not slogans.”
Elizabeth Shortino, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal:
“An impressive array of speakers at the USUBC Business Forum! Their commitment to investing in Ukraine to not only rebuild but also modernize this dynamic country was evident.”
Dave Sharpin, CEO, Quantum-Systems Inc.:
“Thanks to all at U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) for making this
a meeting ground for the exchange of ideas and lessons.“
Chad Forrey, Director of Business Development and International Sales, Aero Precision LLC:
“It was both an honor and a pleasure to attend the USUBC Business Forum this past Wednesday. I cannot say enough positive things about what this organization is doing to help US business assist with the repel of Russian aggression and subsequent rebuilding.”
Oleksandr Vainer, Co-owner, Agrosem:
“Коли ви інвестуєте в найскладніші часи — ви закладаєте найміцніші фундаменти майбутнього. Україна не просто відбудовується. Україна модернізується.”
Nathaniel Weiss, Vice President, Strategic Development, GardaWorld:
“The discussion wasn’t theoretical. It was about how quickly Ukraine has transformed its defense ecosystem under pressure, how innovation is being fielded at speed, and how procurement, testing, and deployment models—especially on the U.S. side—will have to evolve because change is already here.
What struck me most was the directness. Operators talking to industry. Lessons flowing both ways. A reminder that modern defense innovation isn’t driven by white papers—it’s driven by necessity, feedback loops, and people who don’t have the luxury of slow timelines.
Huge thanks to USUBC for convening a genuinely impactful forum.”
American Councils for International Education:
“It was an impressive gathering of business leaders, policymakers, and innovators who are all focused on furthering sustainable development and shared opportunity for our two countries.
Reconstruction has already begun—Ukrainians aren’t waiting for the war to end.”
Meest USA:
“Across three high-level panels, discussions shared a common vision: Ukraine’s recovery is not just about rebuilding – it is a forward-looking economic transformation powered by innovation, resilience, and strong international partnerships.
Thanks to the organizers and attendees for a truly meaningful event, insightful discussions, valuable networking connections and future collaboration opportunities.”
Natalya Meyer, Founder, Confidante Consulting:
“Rome was not built in one day, but Ukraine was also not taken in 3 days… Ukraine I know, has incredibly smart, kind people with a great sense of humor. People you look forward to spending time with and sharing a great cup of coffee.
The U.S. I know, has incredibly entrepreneurial, witty, and adventurous people who are open to exploring and daring to share and try.
All that memory came back to me yesterday during the event.”
Photo credit: David Hunsinger
