In today’s world, Ukraine must promote its interests and create a positive image in the international community. Due to the current political situation in the United States, Ukraine faces difficulties navigating and receiving consistent aid. As the upcoming US elections may impact American backing, this article dives deep into the top lobbyists advocating for Ukraine, highlighting the importance of continued lobbying efforts to ensure sustained US government support.
In the complex landscape of international relations, it is common for countries to engage in lobbying activities to advocate for their interests and bolster diplomatic ties. The present article will analyze who is lobbying for Ukraine’s interests in the United States.
Traditionally, oligarchs have lobbied in Ukraine mainly to safeguard their interests and pursue their agenda. They have used their wealth and influence to promote their interests and protect their assets. In the past, oligarchs have been accused of using their wealth to influence elections, control media outlets, and even engage in criminal activity. These actions have often been detrimental to the interests of the Ukrainian people and have hindered the country’s progress toward democracy and economic stability.
One of the main interests that oligarchs seek to safeguard is their control over key industries such as energy, banking, and media. By controlling these industries, oligarchs can exert significant influence over the political system and ensure that their interests are protected. They also seek to maintain their wealth and power by engaging in corrupt practices and avoiding accountability for their actions.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement in Ukraine to reduce the power of oligarchs and promote greater transparency and accountability in government and business. This movement has been fueled by widespread public dissatisfaction with oligarchs’ influence over the political system and the economy.
With the outbreak of war, non-governmental and non-profit organizations have become prominent players in the lobbying scene. Supported by people, soldiers, and veterans, NGOs have undeniable sympathy from key international actors and the prospect of truly making a change.
The Ukrainian government is highly aware of the importance of organized lobbying and advocacy, extending beyond the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Interestingly, this awareness came long before the adoption of lobbying law just a few months ago. As before, until 2022, state structures and enterprises are in the fairway of such activities. For example, SE NNEGC “Energoatom” actively promotes and maintains a positive image of Ukrainian nuclear power in the United States and other foreign countries. According to the FARA register, the Ukrainian state-owned company officially cooperates in these matters with the lobbying company Yorktown Solutions. In recent years, Energoatom, with the support of Yorktown Solutions, has intensified its efforts to raise awareness among Americans of the specific and evolving risks posed by Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, which is the largest nuclear power plant in Europe.
Additionally, starting in 2019, Andrew Mac has been promoting the interests of the Ukrainian government, with the President himself listed as a Foreign Principal. Andrew specializes in cross-border transactions involving the US, Ukraine, and CIS entities. He is an expert in M&A, corporate and competition law, corporate compliance, FCPA/Bribery Act, capital markets, and state regulations. Andrew advises the President on relations with the Ukrainian diaspora community in the United States and worldwide. His role likely involves speaking occasionally with Ukrainian-American media or media outlets read by the Ukrainian-American community.
However, the tables have turned with the outbreak of war, and new players have flooded the lobbying scene – non-governmental and non-profit organizations. Supported by people, soldiers, and veterans, NGOs have undeniable sympathy from key international actors and the prospect of truly making a change.
One such prominent example is Vitaliy Hersak, a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and head of the NGO “Free and Faithful,” which advocates for veterans and service people. Vitaliy Hersak is widely respected for his dedication to promoting the interests of Ukrainian veterans and service people. He has been instrumental in raising awareness about the challenges faced by these groups and advocating for their rights and benefits. Hersak’s leadership skills and commitment to his cause have earned him great admiration and respect from his colleagues and supporters. His tireless efforts have made a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals and helped to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces. Realizing the significance of international collaboration, Vitaly established a platform for sharing experience and expertise between The US and Ukraine. In February, the inaugural conference, “Effective Veteran Policy for Ukraine: International Experience and Action Plan,” took place in Kyiv, and a diverse group of experts, public officials, and other stakeholders from Ukraine, Europe, and the US attended. An international expert working group was established alongside launching analytical research on veterans’ rehabilitation and adaptation. On April 11th, a conference was held in Washington at the National Press Club, where many distinguished guests were present, namely Oleksiy Illiahenko, a retired colonel of police, a veteran of Kosovo peacekeeping operation (2005), veteran of Russian-Ukrainian war (2022) and Deputy Minister of veterans affairs of Ukraine (2019-2022); Phyllis Wilson, a president at Military Women’s Memorial Foundation; Christie Arnell, a founder and president of the NGO “Ukraine Unlimited,”; James Hutton, Donald J. Trump’ appointee to be the Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); Wilbert Williams, enterprise account executive in the U.S. Defense & Intelligence Community 4th Estate Agencies and the Bronze Star Combat veteran; and others. During the conference, an announced strategy was presented that is expected to significantly improve bilateral relations by adapting US practices in veteran policy to suit Ukrainian circumstances. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration is crucial, especially given the uncertain perspective on Ukrainian aid due to the current political climate in the US.
Vitaliy Hersak at the April Conference
Lobbying was never left to oligarchs or NGOs alone, with the government actively advancing its agenda on the international stage. However, lobbying was never left to oligarchs or NGOs alone. The Ukrainian government is highly aware of the importance of organized lobbying and advocacy, extending beyond the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Interestingly, this awareness has come a long time before the lobbying law was adopted, just a few months ago. Starting in 2019, Andrew Mac has been promoting the interests of the Ukrainian government, with the President himself listed as a Foreign Principal. Andrew specializes in cross-border transactions involving the US, Ukraine, and CIS entities. He is an expert in M&A, corporate and competition law, corporate compliance, FCPA/Bribery Act, capital markets, and state regulations. Andrew advises the President on relations with the Ukrainian diaspora community in the United States and worldwide. His role likely involves speaking occasionally with Ukrainian-American media or media outlets read by the Ukrainian-American community.
In summary, lobbying activities involve advocating for Ukraine’s defense of freedom and democracy, seeking accountability for damages caused by military operations, and promoting democratic principles and transparency through legislative initiatives and international cooperation. The ongoing efforts to engage with government officials, policymakers, and the media, both in the United States and internationally, demonstrate a commitment to fostering diplomatic ties and advancing Ukraine’s priorities on the global agenda.
The collaborative and proactive approach these individuals and organizations take highlights the significance of lobbying for shaping political discourse and influencing policy decisions supportingUkraine’s aspirations and strategic objectives.
