The theme of “hope” was selected long before the recent tension between Washington and Kyiv, yet participants at an international Ukrainian studies conference emphasized that hope is more crucial now than ever — both in Ukraine and in the United States.
Religious leaders, scholars, artists, and diplomats have gathered at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana for a three-day event focused on “Revolutions of Hope: Resilience and Recovery in Ukraine.” However, the atmosphere of hope may seem strained, especially following a recent meeting where U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, leading to a pause in American military aid and intelligence support.
Conference attendees stressed the necessity of maintaining hope that is not merely wishful thinking, but a powerful encouragement for Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. Taras Dobko, the rector of Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, highlighted that “hope is not just a spiritual resource but also a strategic asset for security.” He noted that hope motivates Ukrainians to resist, even in the face of despair.
The conference, organized by Notre Dame’s Nanovic Institute for European Studies and Ukrainian Catholic University, included speakers from various backgrounds, an art exhibition, and prayers for peace. The Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. warned that Russia is attempting to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and identity. Ambassador Oksana Markarova stated that Ukraine’s struggle is a multifaceted war, requiring both military resistance and efforts to educate others about the reality on the ground.
Borys Gudziak, the Archbishop of Philadelphia and president of Ukrainian Catholic University, praised the Ukrainian initiative to defend their nation, stressing that they do not seek pity but rather solidarity in the face of aggression. He explained that while hope is powerful, the temptation to despair is real, especially in a political climate filled with uncertainty.
As he reflected on his recent experiences in Washington, Gudziak noted the fear among skilled diplomats and officials unsure about the future. He emphasized the importance of respecting human dignity during these challenging times and expressed a desire for Ukraine to inspire the United States to stand firm against fear and injustice.
In closing, he reminded all that, despite the trepidation felt in Ukraine, there is also a strong sense of trust — in each other and in God.
