Talking Points for Raising Awareness about Ukraine

Except for Russians, it is safe to say that most of the free world is concerned about the fate of Ukrainians as they withstand the latest onslaught of their country by Russian cutthroats.

To be sure, the international community is deeply supportive of all Ukrainians – civilians and military – as they endure wave after wave of Russian bombings of civilian targets, war crimes, murder and rape of innocents, destruction of their homes, hospitals, churches and cultural artifacts, and life-saving infrastructure.

The global Ukrainian community, especially Ukrainian Americans organized in the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), is pursuing an intensive campaign to raise global awareness about this latest installment of Russian bloody aggression against Ukraine that hopefully will culminate with Russia’s defeat and withdrawal from Ukraine.

For advice about points that should be included in written and oral encounters, I referred to Dr. Yuri Scherbak, former Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, physician, environmentalist, writer and contributor of articles to THE UKRAINIAN QUARTERLY.

Scherbak pointed out that the fate of Ukraine is not limited to itself but rather it also impacts every free country in Europe as well as the United States. Anyone promoting Ukrainian sovereignty and independence must emphasize the interconnectivity between free Ukraine and the free world, he explained, notably America’s desire to lead its democratic allies to future greatness.

“Ukraine must remain a sovereign independent democratic state that is not part of Russia’s sphere of influence. The capitulation of Ukraine, fulfillment of Putin’s wishes, will mean a strategic defeat for the USA. America will cease to be a great power, because the alliance of Russia and China will dominate in Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America,” Scherbak explained.

Similarly, the loss of Ukraine as a loyal ally of America will open the door for Putin to occupy the Baltic states and Poland, Scherbak predicted, echoing scores of democratic national leaders’ belief. “A US withdrawal from Europe will lead to a war with China and the transformation of America into a regional power that will be subject to the dictatorial regimes of the global south,” he continued.

Turning to national political matters, Scherbak urged that efforts to support the statehood of Ukraine must include strengthening the internal political unity and democracy of the nation. The Ukrainian diaspora must express its undying support for the people and leadership of Ukraine in these trying times.

“Condemn all attempts of the current leadership of Ukraine to deepen the split through repression against the opposition and against part of the military leadership, which can have tragic consequences. Confirm the need to hold democratic elections after the conclusion of the armistice,” he said. “Emphasize the solidarity of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America with the Ukrainian nation that is resisting Russia’s bloody aggression, and express the hope that the American people will support Ukraine’s independence.”

Finally, the homicidal, genocidal mission of Russia can’t be underestimated. “The genocidal nature of Russian aggression attempts to destroy the Ukrainian nation, language, religion, history. It is very important for the American people to know this.”

“You, Ukrainian Americans and Americans, can’t be silent,” Scherbak declared.

Raising awareness is not difficult. All it requires is the genuine humanity and ability to speak and write.