“The State of Ukraine: Today and Tomorrow”: Aspen Institute Kyiv Hosts a Conversation in Miami

On 21 April, Aspen Institute Kyiv brought together more than 60 American leaders from the business and legal communities in Miami for a conversation about Ukraine. The event, “The State of Ukraine: Today and Tomorrow,” provided an opportunity to share the Institute’s work, discuss the key developments shaping Ukraine today, and reflect on the country’s possible paths forward in an increasingly complex international environment.

The discussion was moderated by Mark Mason, Member of the Leadership Council of the Aspen Institute, and featured Olha Stefanishyna, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States; Natalie Jaresko, Managing Director at EY-Parthenon and Chair of the Supervisory Board of Aspen Institute Kyiv; and Yuliya Tychkivska, Executive Director of Aspen Institute Kyiv.

“Aspen creates a space where people with different perspectives can truly hear one another—without hierarchy and without fear. That is exactly what Ukraine needs today: not more opinions, but more honest dialogue. Because what happens in Ukraine will help shape the world we all live in,” said Yuliya Tychkivska, Executive Director of Aspen Institute Kyiv.

The speakers reflected on the resilience of Ukrainian society since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, placing it within a broader historical perspective. They also discussed shifts in diplomacy and international trade, the implications of the war in the Middle East for both the region and Ukraine, and possible pathways toward peace and recovery.

The audience’s questions focused less on military developments and more on people: how Ukraine plans to encourage young people to return, how it intends to retain those who have stayed, what commitments the West is prepared to make, and what challenges lie ahead for Ukraine’s economy and post-war reconstruction.

Responding to a question about how the war might end, Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna said:

“There is no way to force Ukraine to surrender, because Ukraine is not one or two individuals. The country is led by its nation and its people. The only victory we can claim is that Ukraine remains sovereign and that justice prevails.”

Most of those attending were Americans with no Ukrainian heritage or personal ties to Ukraine, yet they demonstrated a genuine interest in understanding the country’s reality and reaffirmed their continued support.

“An incredibly meaningful evening with outstanding speakers. The vast majority of Americans stand firmly with the Ukrainian people—and I am one of them,” said Mark Mason, Member of the Leadership Council of the Aspen Institute.