Today, Chicago’s Ukrainian community gathered at the Ukrainian Cultural Center (2247 West Chicago Avenue) to commemorate Ukraine Unity Day. Of course, Vladimir Putin’s almost year-long war against Ukraine hung heavy over the luncheon and speeches. Between 150 and 200 people were in attendance. All displayed strong patriotic fervor for Ukraine and its people.

The event ran a bit long; about three hours. It began with the singing of the United States and Ukrainian national anthems, a song from a Ukrainian choral group, and introductory remarks by Ihor Diaczun, the president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Illinois Division. As part of his remarks, Diaczun played a video showing devastated Ukrainian cities and towns. It included horrifying images of the large apartment building in Dnipro that was hit by a Russian missile just two weeks ago, killing at least 40 civilians—I believe the linked video is the one that was shown. The video emphasized the word “genocide.”

And then the politicos took the stage, including Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who is in a nine-way primary re-election fight, Senator Richard Durbin, Congressman Danny K. Davis, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Mike Quigley, and Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi. Durbin commented on the new Republican majority in the House, reminding everyone that senators on both sides of the aisle support Ukraine, thereby serving somewhat as a bulwark against some of the House Republicans who have gone on record in opposition to continued support for Ukraine. Krishnamoorthi pointed out that Russia has barred him from entering the country, something that he wore as a badge of honor. Lightfoot was at the first rally for Ukraine last February, and she reminded everyone that there is a display in support of Ukraine at City Hall.

I understand why the event must include these politicians, particularly ones who have a say in funding for Ukraine, but the event would have been much better had their collective time at the podium been cut in half. I have no idea why the Cook County Assessor was given time. Our property taxes have little to do with Ukraine.

After the politicians had left the podium (and the hall), the Committee presented three community service awards. Not surprisingly, this year the awards went to individuals who had furthered the war effort. Among the three honored was Ellen Lopatkina with the UA Resistance Foundation. This group supplies clothing, as well as fully-equipped ambulances and firetrucks to Ukraine. Lopatkina’s remarks were accompanied by an inspirational video. Iryna Tsenglevich was also honored. She is one of the forces behind Help Razom, a charity formed shortly after the Russian invasion last February to raise funds for humanitarian aid and supplies. Igor Terletsky received the third award.

Following the awards, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman gave the keynote address. He focused on his experiences over the past year, including completing his Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins. Vindman is not a great public speaker—monotone without gestures. Regrettably, he didn’t provide revelatory insights into the conflict. Nevertheless, Vindman is a national hero for his role in revealing former President Donald Trump’s effort to trade arms for dirt on Joe Biden. He paid a heavy price for his congressional testimony, so it was both an honor and a thrill to see him in the flesh.

Janusz Bugajski, a Senior Fellow with The Jamestown Foundation, was the final speaker. He has just published a book entitled, Failed State: A Guide to Russia’s Rupture. In his remarks, Bugajski focused on Russia as a state in decline, discussing the implications that follow. His current thinking is summarized in a piece he wrote for Politico that was published on January 12, 2023.

Overall, the afternoon was an interesting, but long one. My recommendation for next year is to do the community service awards first, allowing the audience to hear the inspiring stories before the politicians wear them down. And as I’ve already noted, the politicians should have their time cut in half; possibly a panel discussion format could be employed. A 15-minute break halfway through the speeches would also help. Finally, I would have liked a Question and Answer period, particularly in the case of Vindman and Bugajski.

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