Join the fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the well-being of its people.
Buy a ticket here and support the work of Ukrainian chaplains.
“United by a shared commitment, we advocate tirelessly for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the well-being of its people. Through data-driven insights, grassroots mobilization, and strategic partnerships, we seek to make a lasting impact on the lives of Ukrainians and Americans alike. Developing relationships with federal, state and local elected officials as well as opinion leaders is of primary importance to our mission.”
* Unity: We build bridges between individuals, organizations, and communities, fostering a collective response to the spiritual and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine
* Promote: Religious Freedom
* Empower: Ukrainian civil society, community leaders and churches
* Support: Raise awareness about the situation in Ukraine, mobilizing international aid and advocacy
* Independence: We believe in the strength and capacity of Ukrainians to shape their own destiny, and we work to amplify their voices and initiatives
Join us in this critical endeavor.
Karl Ahlgren is a seasoned political strategist and 40-year veteran of government and politics. Over the course of his career, he has worked with more than 100 past and current members of the Oklahoma Legislature. Ahlgren has held key leadership positions, serving as Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman and now Senator Markwayne Mullin from 2013 to 2017, and as Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman and former Senator Tom Coburn from 1995 to 2001. Earlier in his career, he was Field Director for former U.S. Senator Don Nickles for a decade.
Ahlgren has made three visits to Ukraine: in October 2023, where he spent nine days traveling across the country to witness the impacts of the war firsthand, and two subsequent trips in June and September 2024.
Ahlgren has also been a tireless advocate in Washington, D.C., making seven trips to meet with over 125 members of Congress, senators, and congressional aides, urging them to support funding for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s unlawful invasion. His advocacy work includes attending high-profile events such as Ukrainian Week and Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., and the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. He co-hosted the Oscar-nominated documentary 20 Days in Mariupol at Circle Cinema in Tulsa, Okla. The event featured a compelling presentation by the film’s director, Mstyslav Chernov, and was attended by over 200 guests.
Ahlgren serves on the Board of Trustees for Ukrainian Week, an annual event held in February in Washington, D.C., and is a member of the policy committee for the American Coalition for Ukraine, a network of over 100 U.S.-based organizations supporting Ukraine.
He has also worked closely with the Ukrainian diaspora in Tulsa, Oklahoma, organizing events such as Ukraine’s Independence Day celebration on August 24, 2024.
From his roots in Ukraine to his career as a journeyman lineman and volunteer military chaplain, Mikhail Pavenko has dedicated his life to service. His humanitarian efforts and advocacy work have supported soldiers, families, and Ukraine’s fight for freedom while engaging U.S. lawmakers to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict.
Pavenko, a proud Ukrainian-American, immigrated to the United States with his family in 1996, settling in Washington State. After completing a four-year apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), he built a career as a journeyman lineman, serving his community in the public utility sector.
In 2015, Pavenko’s deep ties to his homeland inspired him to return to Ukraine as a humanitarian volunteer. Over time, his role evolved into that of a volunteer military chaplain, providing spiritual and emotional support to soldiers and their families. His unwavering commitment has led him to make regular trips to Ukraine, offering aid and solidarity in the face of ongoing conflict.
Pavenko’s advocacy extends beyond Ukraine’s borders. He has actively engaged with U.S. lawmakers in Washington, D.C., raising awareness about the atrocities of Russia’s ongoing genocide and advocating for meaningful action to support Ukraine.
A devoted husband, father of two, and man of faith, Pavenko is deeply rooted in his community in Southwest Washington, where he continues to be a voice for justice and a beacon of hope for Ukraine.
A global legal expert and partner at Frederic Dorwart Lawyers, Kyden Creekpaum specializes in governance, cybersecurity, and international law. His background includes prestigious credentials from Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, and SciencesPo. Kyden brings invaluable expertise to Ukraine Action Plan’s strategic and operational efforts.
Kyden Creekpaum is a partner at Frederic Dorwart Lawyers, PLLC (FDLaw®) in Tulsa,
Oklahoma. He advises clients in a variety of corporate compliance and governance matters,
including sensitive internal investigations, corruption and the FCPA, sanctions, cyber security,
data privacy, and human relations (HR).
Creekpaum is a graduate of Georgetown Law (JD), L’Institute d’Études Politique de Paris (SciencesPo)(LLM), Johns Hopkins (MPH), and the University of Oklahoma (BA, BM). Before joining FDLaw, he practiced law in Washington, D.C. and Paris, France, and is a former adjunct law professor at the University of Paris I – La Sorbonne.
Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, Ihor Ruban is the Refugee Program Supervisor at YWCA Tulsa, where he supports Ukrainian refugees adapting to life in the U.S. With a background in language, adoption advocacy, and humanitarian efforts, Ihor has facilitated life-changing programs for children and families while championing Ukraine’s cause on the global stage.
Ihor Ruban
YWCA Tulsa Refugee Program Supervisor
Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, Ihor Ruban is dedicated to fostering community and supporting Ukrainian refugees as they navigate life in the United States. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the past two years, Ihor serves as the Refugee Program Supervisor at YWCA Tulsa, where he plays a crucial role in helping Ukrainian families adapt and thrive.
Ihor is also a passionate advocate for Ukraine. He participated in the American Coalition for Ukraine summit in Washington, D.C., where he worked to amplify Ukrainian voices and engaged with policymakers to strengthen U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Ihor holds a Master’s degree in Language and Literature (English and German) from Kyiv State Linguistic University and is a certified Level I Qualified Interpreter. He is also a member of the American Translators Association (ATA) and the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC).
Before joining YWCA Tulsa, Ihor had a profound impact on Ukrainian adoption and child welfare initiatives. He served as a Foreign Supervised Provider for the National Council for Adoption, headed the Ukrainian Adoption Program, and co-founded the UniBridge Charity Foundation. Through these roles, he facilitated the successful adoption of Ukrainian orphaned children and organized hosting programs to connect them with families in the U.S.
In addition to his professional work, Ihor is actively involved in his community. He is a member of the E-Club of Engagement (Rotary District 6110) and serves as an Oklahoma State Notary Public.
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