SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 12, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked U.S. governors for their support Friday in “one of the most transparent battles between good and evil of our time.”
Zelenskyy met privately with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and other governors before speaking to all attendees at the National Governors Association Summer Meeting at Salt Lake City’s Grand America Hotel.
“There are different wars in the world, but this is a war where it’s absolutely clear what is good and what boundaries evil will cross,” the president said of Ukraine’s war with Russia. “This is one of the most transparent battles between good and evil of our time. It’s clear that Ukraine has done nothing wrong before God. And all the pain our country suffers is only the result of Russia’s criminal actions and unprovoked aggression.”
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, escalating the Russo-Ukrainian War that began in 2014. It’s now the largest conflict in Europe since World War II.
“So many people and countries have united to help us save our freedom, and thus the common human understanding that evil must always, always lose,” Zelenskyy said. “What else would our world rely on if evil doesn’t lose, and good unite?”
Zelenskyy met with U.S. governors via video conference in April 2023. Earlier this year, governors urged Congress to approve funding to support Ukraine and other U.S. allies.
“Victory for Ukraine is a U.S. security priority, and governors welcomed the opportunity to hold an in-depth discussion with President Zelenskyy on the state of Ukraine’s defense operations and its deployment of U.S. funding,” Cox said.
“In the two years since Russia invaded, the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire us all. In fighting for its freedom and sovereignty, Ukraine is defending freedom and democracy worldwide. I was proud to tell President Zelenskyy directly: Utah stands with Ukraine.”
Cox and Oksana Markarova, ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, also signed a memorandum of understanding between Utah and Kyiv Oblast, the Ukrainian province surrounding Kyiv.
“Utah has stood by Ukraine since the very beginning of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion,” the governor said. “Across the state, thousands of Utahns have stepped up in brave and beautiful ways. They have rallied in solidarity, they have donated supplies, and they have launched funds and initiatives to aid Ukrainian refugees.
“In addition to this support, we believe that stronger trade ties with Ukraine — a highly innovative country — will greatly benefit both of our economies. By formalizing our relationship with this key region, we commit to working together in this time of war, and we hope that soon, we will be working together in a time of peace.”
The agreement builds on a strong foundation of economic cooperation, according to the governor’s office. In 2008, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs opened a Ukrainian consulate office in Utah to support Ukrainian nationals living in the Beehive State, foster economic development between Utah and Ukraine, promote cultural exchanges and host visiting Ukrainian diplomats.
In 2023, Utah became the first U.S. state to send a trade and humanitarian delegation to Ukraine, led by World Trade Center Utah, after the war began. Additionally, a Ukrainian delegation of tech entrepreneurs visited Salt Lake City, prompting a Ukrainian software engineering company to open its U.S. office in Utah.
Utah’s aerospace and defense association, 47G, also has an active partnership with Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries to cooperate on defense initiatives.
Under the new agreement, Utah and Kyiv Oblast commit to working more closely in multiple areas, including industries such as aerospace and defense, technology and life sciences, energy diversification and academia.
Zelenskyy said support from the U.S. is crucial for the Ukrainian people.
“I have said many times that we do not ask the United States and other partners to fight for us. We do not ask for your boots on the ground,” he said.
“The only thing we ask for is sufficient support, air defense systems for our cities, weapons for our men and women on the frontlines, support in protecting normal life and rebuilding. This is all we need to withstand and drive Russia from our land. And to send a strong signal to all other potential aggressors, which are watching.”
A victory for Ukraine is a “true victory of good,” Zelenskyy said.
“I hope that together Ukrainians and Americans will prevail. God bless America, and Slava Ukraini,” he said.
