Washington, DC – Today, Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Caucus, Representatives Lois Frankel (D-FL-22) and Michael Waltz (R-FL-06), hosted Ukrainian government and civil society women leaders and senior U.S. Government officials for a closed-door discussion on how to improve WPS efforts in Ukraine. Members discussed the security objectives, resistance operations, and humanitarian needs in Ukraine directly with women who have been on the ground. The conversation, held on International Women’s Day, reaffirms the Caucus’s commitment to standing with the women of Ukraine who have emerged as leaders in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Today we heard stories of heartbreak, strength, and perseverance from a group of Ukrainian women who have lived through the past year of Putin’s war. These stories underscored the impact of foreign policy on women, and just how critical it is that we continue to stand up for them during this ongoing conflict,” said Rep. Frankel. “The WPS Caucus will continue to push for women to be included at all levels of decision making when it comes to discussions of national security, foreign policy, and war and peace, to ensure their needs—and the needs of their communities—are met.”

“Over the last year, the Ukrainian people have fought to protect their freedoms and sovereignty from a brutal aggressor who has senselessly taken so many innocent lives,” said Rep. Waltz. “On this International Women’s Day, I am honored to hear the harrowing stories of brave Ukrainian women emerging as critical leaders within their communities, government, and society in the wake of this conflict. These women have sacrificed so much to help defeat the Russian military. Each and every one of them is an inspiration to us all.”

“Ukrainian women play an all-important role in the ongoing fight for their country’s sovereignty and the stability of their nation,” said Dr. Meaghan Mobbs, President of the Romulus T. Weatherman Foundation. “In unprecedented ways they are emerging as a critical force for peace and stability across the military, government, and civil society. The Weatherman Foundation will continue to find opportunities to elevate and amplify their efforts. We are grateful for Reps. Frankel, Waltz, and the entire WPS Caucus for their deep commitment to finding ways to champion and empower Ukrainian women, and women everywhere.”

The WPS Co-Chairs were joined by five additional Members for this discussion. They heard from Tetiana Yehorova-Lutsenko, Head of Kharkiv Regional Council, Tamila Afansieva, Deputy of Odessa Regional Council and Head of Odesa Peace Council, Anastasiia Baydyuk, Official representative of Ukrainian NGOs, Svitlana Rogers, Ukrainian-born advocate and volunteer, and Andriy Tsymbalyuk, deputy to Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States.

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