Vitaly Portnikov in San Francisco

On February 1, a meeting with renowned Ukrainian journalist and publicist Vitaly Portnikov took place at the Ukrainian Hall in San Francisco. The event was organized by the nonprofit organization Hromada of San Francisco.

This was a long-awaited occasion — the auditorium was filled to capacity, and the audience eagerly anticipated the guest’s arrival from Ukraine.

The event format consisted of two parts: Mr. Portnikov’s lecture followed by a live Q&A session with attendees.

During his talk, the speaker presented an in-depth analysis and historical overview of events that have shaped the lives of millions: world wars, the collapse of the totalitarian Soviet Union, the formation of independent Ukraine, and the development of civil society that defines the country’s future path.

Mr. Portnikov also emphasized the current war and the risks it poses to the global civilized world, particularly the prolonged nature of the conflict and the danger of its expansion into other countries if it is not contained today.

Special attention was given to the lives of Ukrainians in the diaspora and the importance of continuing support for Ukraine to preserve the state and withstand this genocidal war waged by Moscow against the Ukrainian people. The key to victory is unity and joint effort at all levels — within communities, governments, and across continents.

Because a nation remains a nation when it preserves its God-given land, language, culture, and traditions. 🇺🇦

We sincerely thank Mr. Vitaly Portnikov for his many years of collaboration and for the joint fundraising initiative to purchase tourniquets and medical supplies that save Ukrainian lives every day.

We extend special thanks to the performers of the concert program that followed the meeting — opera singers Ivanna Taratula Filipenko and Oleksandra Zabashta, pianists Natalie Kokhanyy and Olena Lushchik, and violinist Sophia Sokolovych.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the parish of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church and Father Oleh Kepeshchuk for their hospitality and for providing the Ukrainian Hall in San Francisco venue.

We thank Yuriy Bondarchuk for professional photo and video coverage.

Sincere appreciation to the volunteers who prepared refreshments for guests — delicious treats, fruit, hot tea, and coffee:

Vasyl Vusatyuk, Marina Anisovych, Andriy Fil, Ihor Yuvchenko, and Anna Mys.

For sound and lighting production, we thank Taras Turiv,
and for security services — Armada Protective Service, and personally, Volodymyr Butenko.

Thanks to the generosity of guests and auction participants, we raised $9,070.52, which will soon be directed toward purchasing tourniquets and medical supplies. THANK YOU! 💪

🎥 A video recording of the meeting and the concert program will be available soon on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Please support our initiative via the link 

Together to Victory! 

Glory to Ukraine!
Glory to the Heroes!