The Foreign Policy Association, in collaboration with the National Endowment for Democracy, organized an event to honor the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova. The evening was filled with profound insights, powerful statements, and a resolute call for justice amidst Ukraine’s ongoing struggle.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Markarova expressed her delight at seeing a significant number of young individuals, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the future of our world. She reflected on how Ukraine has surprised people across the globe, while highlighting President Zelensky’s leadership in championing the nation’s values.
Ambassador Markarova drew attention to the tragic human catastrophe that has unfolded over the past 16 months, where countless lives have been devastated, dreams shattered, and an unimaginable scale of suffering inflicted upon the Ukrainian people. In the depths of the night, she finds herself grappling with the question of what lies behind Russia’s violent actions. “How can anyone give orders to launch missiles and invade a nation in the 21st century? Who are these women toasting while their husbands sabotage power plants, leaving cities without light and heat during harsh winters? Who are the cultural leaders of this invasion?”.
While she may not have definitive answers, she firmly believes that the perpetration of these crimes will be met with justice. “True peace cannot be achieved until justice is served”, she said.
The Ambassador then reminded the audience of the courage displayed by Ukrainians in 1991, when they liberated themselves from Russian occupation. She emphasized that President Zelensky’s proposed peace plan is the only viable option: “Ukraine desires full control over all its internationally recognized territories, including Crimea”. While some argue for a compromise between Russia and Ukraine, Markarova firmly believes that Russia’s violence will not cease with an agreement. The ongoing violence over the years attests to this fact: if an agreement is reached, populations remaining under Russian control will continue to suffer. “Ukraine has been targeted by Russia because it has chosen to stand for democracy”.
In such circumstances, it is challenging to remain optimistic, but the Ambassador called on everyone to take steps toward victory every single day, emphasizing that they must persevere until they achieve success. She stressed the importance not only of physical reconstruction in Ukraine, but also of significant investments in energy and digitalization.
“The time to view Ukraine as a land of investment is now”, she said. “Waiting until victory is achieved will be too late, and the costs will be prohibitively high”. As she concluded her speech, the room was filled with a renewed sense of determination and urgency to support Ukraine in its pursuit of justice, stability, and prosperity.
Oksana Markarova’s illustrious career serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to public service and the betterment of Ukraine. Prior to assuming her current role as Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States, she held esteemed positions in Ukraine’s Ministry of Finance and had a successful career in private equity and financial advisory. Her accomplishments include implementing fiscal consolidation measures, negotiating IMF programs, and playing leadership roles in various organizations.
With a strong academic background and degrees from prestigious institutions, including Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and Indiana University, Markarova exemplifies the expertise and passion required to navigate Ukraine’s challenges on the international stage.
As the evening celebrating Ambassador Oksana Markarova’s accomplishments came to a close, it left a lasting impression on all attendees. Her words shed light on Ukraine’s resilience, the importance of justice, and the urgent need for international support. The event served as a reminder that Ukraine’s journey toward peace and prosperity requires collective efforts from nations around the world, united in their commitment to democracy, justice, and the well-being of all people.
