Standing up for Ukraine in AmericaーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Razom for Ukraine: A humanitarian aid organization established in 2014, based in the US and Ukraine, composed mainly of Ukrainians living in the US, relying on donations to provide humanitarian assistance and spread understanding about Ukraine.
• Katarina Lisova: A member of Razom for Ukraine, formerly a reporter for Voice of America, who uses her media experience to advocate for Ukraine through podcasts and events.
• Oksana Baruk: A Razom for Ukraine member focused on lobbying US senators and lawmakers.
• "America First" Sentiment: A political stance in the United States prioritizing domestic interests, which presents a challenge for Ukraine's advocacy efforts.
• Humanitarian Aid: Assistance provided to alleviate suffering, in this context, medical supplies sent to Ukraine.
• Lobbying: The act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in a government, most often legislators or members of regulatory agencies.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Efforts to inform and engage the public on a specific issue, such as Ukraine's situation.

Razom for Ukraine: Expanding Support for Ukraine in Washington

This video highlights the efforts of the private organization Razom for Ukraine to expand support for the country amidst its ongoing conflict with Russian forces. The organization's work is framed against the backdrop of a challenging political climate in the US, exemplified by an incident involving President Trump and President Zelenskyy, and a subsequent temporary halt in US military aid to Ukraine.

Mission and Activities of Razom for Ukraine

• Establishment and Composition: Razom for Ukraine was established in 2014 and operates with bases in both the US and Ukraine. The name "Razom" translates to "together" in Ukrainian. The organization is primarily composed of Ukrainians residing in the US and is sustained through donations.
• Humanitarian Assistance: A core activity involves providing humanitarian aid, such as sending medical supplies to Ukraine.
• Spreading Understanding: A key objective is to foster greater understanding of Ukraine's situation among the American public and policymakers.

Katarina Lisova's Advocacy Efforts

• Background: Katarina Lisova, a member of Razom for Ukraine, previously worked as a reporter covering Congress for Voice of America. She was compelled to leave her position due to funding cuts to the outlet by the Trump administration.
• Leveraging Media Experience: Lisova utilizes her reporting background to advocate for Ukraine. She produces podcasts and organizes events to disseminate information about the country's current situation to a US audience.
• Diplomatic Engagement: Lisova actively engages with international diplomats, medical professionals, and journalists at events like documentary screenings. For instance, she attended a screening at the French embassy in Washington, which focused on medical workers treating injured Ukrainian soldiers.
• Seeking Cooperation: She seeks cooperation from diplomats, such as those from France and Sweden, to host events supporting Ukraine. A Swedish diplomat even suggested using their embassy as a venue for such events.
• Emphasis on Direct Testimony: Lisova emphasizes the importance of hearing directly from Ukrainians, stating, "It's so important to hear from real Ukrainians." She believes that individual action is crucial, asserting, "If you can do little part of changing this world better you need to take it."

Reaching President Trump and Lawmakers

• Targeting President Trump: Razom for Ukraine employs various media strategies to convey messages directly to President Trump.
  • Fox News Advertisement: The group ran an advertisement on Fox News, a network popular with Trump and his supporters. This ad highlighted the issue of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and directly appealed to President Trump, stating, "Ukrainian children. President Trump, you have the power to bring them home."
  • New York Post Advertisement: Razom also advertised in the New York Post, a tabloid Trump has expressed admiration for. Following an announcement that the US would begin selling weapons to NATO allies for Ukraine, the group placed a "thank you" ad to President Trump, identifying him as their "number one" person to reach.
• Lobbying Lawmakers: The organization also prioritizes direct appeals to US lawmakers.
  • Oksana Baruk's Role: Oksana Baruk, another Razom member, focuses on lobbying senators. She has reportedly met with lawmakers and their staff over 100 times in the year.
  • Persistence in Lobbying: Baruk describes the challenging process of securing meetings, noting it can take "one to two weeks to get even one meeting." She actively engages with congressional staff in public spaces like cafeterias, politely approaching them to express gratitude for their support and emphasize continued needs.
  • Belief in Collective Impact: Baruk and other members are driven by the conviction that their "small efforts" will ultimately benefit their homeland. Baruk states, "I want to see prosperous, free, democratic country that is being rebuilt. And now um my job is just keep showing up because I don't have um a chance to give up if my people do not give up."

Conclusion: Sustaining Attention Amidst "America First"

In the context of a prevailing "America First" sentiment in the United States, Ukraine supporters like Razom for Ukraine are actively working to maintain focus on the country's plight. Their multifaceted approach, combining humanitarian aid, public awareness campaigns, direct appeals to the executive branch, and persistent lobbying of legislative bodies, underscores the critical importance of sustained international support for Ukraine.