A delegation of military, government and nonprofit organization leaders from the Ukraine will be at Stanislaus State on Monday for a public forum about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and its impact on the country’s population.
The Ukrainian delegation is in the region as part of a regular Modesto Sister Cities International trip. Khmelnytskyi in the Ukraine has been a sister city to Modesto since 1987. Modesto has hosted a group of Ukrainians from Khmelnytskyi every year for the past decade.
The visit comes after a Russian bombardment this week that included more than 40 ballistic, cruise, anti-aircraft and guided missiles struck three cities, killed at least seven people and wrecked multiple apartment buildings, according to the Associated Press.
Earlier this month, the Associated Press reported that two people died in Khmelnytskyi region as at least six explosions were heard during the morning missile attack.
More than 10,000 civilians have been killed and nearly 20,000 injured since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the U.N. said.
Adrian Harrell, owner of New Bridge Management in Turlock, was instrumental in bringing the delegation to Stan State. Harrell is Chair of the Stanislaus State Alumni Council and member of the university’s foundation board, as well as being a past president of Modesto Sister Cities International.
She said it was important to her to bring the delegation to the university as a unique opportunity for students and the public to get first-hand information about the war.
“I’m always looking for learning opportunities for our students, I like to take advantage of that,” said Harrell.
The public forum will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday in Vasché Library Room 102 on the campus of Stanislaus State.
The delegates expected to speak include:
- Masi-Mustafa Naiiem, founder, Human Rights Center “Pryntsyp”
It was Naiiem's personal experience as an injured veteran of Russia’s war against Ukraine that led to the initiation of possible projects and cooperation with government authorities on the issue of improving services for veterans. The organization works to ensure that war veterans and their families feel dignified, protected, have clarity about their path and the opportunity to receive support in civilian life.
- Yurii Kochevenko, Battalion Commander, Armed Forces of Ukraine
Kochevenko is a forward-thinking practitioner and analyst who contributes his knowledge to the US-Ukraine military to military relations. He works to help Ukraine develop and adopt NATO standards in its military operations. Now battalion commander, Kochevenko started his military service as a volunteer in 2014 when Ukraine was first invaded by Russia. He raised his public profile being one of the spokesmen for the 95 Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed forces.
- Maksym Potapovych, communication manager, Ukrainian LGBTQI+ Military for Equal Rights
Serving as a Communication Manager, Potapovych manages pages in the social networks of this NGO that helps the LGBTQI+ community in the Armed forces. He has been actively advocating for a bill on registered partnerships and managed to change a lot for the better in Ukrainian society thanks to his LGBTIQ+ activism, to which he has a creative approach.
- Olena Rybinska, head of the communication department, Ukrainian Veterans Foundation, Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine
Rybinska’s career spans various esteemed media organizations, including Channel 5 in Kyiv, the Civil Network OPORA, TRK Rivne 1, and Public Rivne. Her commitment extends beyond her professional endeavors, as evidenced by her active volunteer work supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2014. This dedication is particularly impactful considering her role at the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation. The Foundation is a pivotal state instrument in honoring and fulfilling commitments to veterans.
- Volodymyr Bortnytskyi, Deputy Head of Foreign Policy Security and International Cooperation, National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine
As the Deputy Head of the Foreign Policy Security and International Cooperation Service, Bortnytskyi has a direct impact on the information policy of his country by providing the top leadership of the country with analytical materials for comprehensive planning and making informed decisions in the field of national security.
- The delegation is also accompanied by facilitator Yevheniia Yemshenetska, project manager, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
