On the eve of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, Olha Stefanishyna, spoke with Ukrinform about a new chapter in U.S.-Ukraine relations, bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress, prospects for defense cooperation, sanctions on Russia, and the lessons American democracy offers Ukraine.
GEORGE WASHINGTON APPROVED THE BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA IN WHAT IS NOW UKRAINE'S EMBASSY
Ukrinform (UI): Madam Ambassador, our conversation is taking place on the eve of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. What does this milestone represent for Americans, and what does it mean for Ukraine?
Olha Stefanishyna (OS): For Americans, it is not merely a celebration of victory in the War of Independence. It is also an opportunity to reflect on 250 years of safeguarding that independence, building democracy, and strengthening the American state.
I believe this is an important example for Ukraine as well. We regained our independence only 35 years ago, and today we are fighting to defend it in a war unleashed by Russian aggression. It is also an occasion for our own reflection, because the principle of the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances are among the democratic foundations first established in the United States.
