Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, visited Chicago for an intensive 24-hour engagement at the invitation of the Illinois branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA). His visit was marked by a series of high-level discussions, public addresses, and community interactions that underscored Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression and its diplomatic efforts on the world stage.
Kyslytsya’s time in Chicago was filled with engagements that bridged political diplomacy with grassroots community support. He addressed diverse audiences, from schoolchildren at St. Nicholas Cathedral School to academic circles at the University of Chicago and attendees of a fundraising event featuring American jazz musicians. Throughout his visit, he emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s resilience, the necessity of international solidarity, and the role of the UN in addressing global conflicts.
At St. Nicholas Cathedral School, the Ambassador was greeted with a traditional bread-and-salt ceremony, a gesture of deep respect and hospitality. The school, which welcomed over 180 Ukrainian children displaced by war, has been a vital refuge for families affected by the conflict. Kyslytsya spoke with students about the significance of education, diplomacy, and leadership in shaping the future of Ukraine, encouraging them to aspire toward making a difference in the world.
During his visit to the University of Chicago, Kyslytsya engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on Ukraine’s evolving role within the United Nations. Moderated by Professor Daria Tsymbalyuk from the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, the conversation delved into the UN Security Council’s structural weaknesses, the limitations of peacekeeping operations, and Ukraine’s success in shifting global perspectives on Russian aggression. He highlighted the unprecedented international support Ukraine has received, particularly from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, and the necessity of continued diplomatic efforts to maintain global backing.
A significant aspect of his visit was a meeting with Ukrainian veterans undergoing medical treatment in Chicago under the care of organizations such as the Protez Foundation and Revived Soldiers Ukraine. He expressed profound gratitude for their service and sacrifices, offering words of encouragement and reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to supporting its defenders. The Ambassador also emphasized ongoing efforts to secure the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians unlawfully detained by Russia, underscoring the importance of international advocacy in this process.
Reflecting on his diplomatic mission, Kyslytsya shared insights from his tenure as Ukraine’s representative at the UN, particularly in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion. He noted that, despite the Security Council’s structural challenges, Ukraine had managed to push key resolutions and keep global attention on the war. His speeches resonated with many, as he candidly addressed the moral imperative of standing with Ukraine and the broader implications of the conflict for global security.
The visit culminated in an exchange of commemorative gifts between Kyslytsya and UCCA representatives, including Illinois UCCA President Dr. Maria Dmytriw-Kapeniak and Dr. Marta Farion, President of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Foundation in America. The Ambassador expressed his deep appreciation for their long-standing support and extended his best wishes to the Ukrainian-American community in Chicago for a peaceful New Year and Ukraine’s ultimate victory.
His 24 hours in Chicago were a testament to shared values of peace, freedom, and solidarity—principles that remain especially crucial as Ukraine continues its fight for sovereignty and justice. Kyslytsya’s visit reinforced the vital connection between diplomatic efforts at the highest international levels and the unwavering grassroots support from Ukrainian communities around the world.