Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova provided an update on the situation in Ukraine at the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) live via zoom on Tuesday.
Anatoli Murha, senior vice president with Ukrainain Self-Reliance Credit Union, introduced Ambassador Markarova from the main stage, saying, "there is no stronger advocate for Ukraine in the United States right now."
Russian attacks started Feb. 24 and continue, Ambassador Markarova said, noting that just this morning two Russian rockets hit the city center of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, bringing devastation not seen since World War II.
“Right now we don't have any other choice but to defend our home. We don't have another. Everyone in Ukraine, our president—who made the extraordinary decision to stay in Kyiv—our government, our armed forces, national guard, police, ordinary people, including women and girls," she said.
Ambassador Markarova, former minister of finance for Ukraine, said credit unions have long played a part in the country's history.
“The 12 wonderful Ukrainian credit unions here in America helped the Ukrainian cause even before we gained our independence 30 years ago," she said. "The Ukrainian credit unions were essential in supporting our fight for freedom."
Ukrainian American credit unions have already raised and sent more than $700,000 to support those on the front lines through the Ukrainian American Credit Union Association.
She urged credit unions looking for ways to help to contact the Ukrainian American Credit Union Association.
Read more conference coverage from CUNA News, and get live updates on Twitter via @CUNA_News, @cumagazine, @