Address from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the American business community at the National Association of Manufacturers Board Meeting on Tuesday, Feb 28. Speaking in the middle of a brutal and unprovoked war with Russia, President Zelenskyy emphasized the shared values of democracy and freedom and the important role of the American business community and manufacturing industry in supporting Ukraine’s efforts toward victory and recovery. Watch the address below.

Read the full transcript of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address:

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses American business community. Photo by David Bohrer/NAM.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses American business community. Photo by David Bohrer/NAM.

President Zelenskyy at National Association of Manufacturers. Photo by David Bohrer/National Association of Manufacturers.

Our Message:

It’s approaching two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the National Association of Manufacturers and the broader American business community stand united with their counterparts in Ukraine, committed more than ever to working with our partners to ensure that the Ukrainian people have the support they need to build a future of freedom and prosperity.

In March 2022, the NAM Board of Directors voted unanimously in support of a resolution that affirms our shared values of freedom and independence, denounces the invasion, expresses support for economic and financial sanctions against Russia, demands removal of Russia from the World Trade Organization and calls for the end of normalized trade between Russia and the U.S.

Our Commitment:

In January 2023, the NAM and the Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs hosted “Rebuilding Ukraine: Inaugural Conference of Manufacturers in the U.S. and Ukraine,” during which both organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding that laid out common values and mutual goals.

The conference included representatives from a diverse range of companies from both countries, who spoke to the challenges ahead and the need to support Ukraine as it rebuilds. The event also featured opening remarks from Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova and other senior Ukrainian government officials.

Learn more about the “framework” that the NAM and the ULIE agreed to create, including the series of steps both organizations are taking to increase cooperation.

LEARN MORE

Manufacturers have demonstrated their unwavering support for Ukraine and denounced Russian aggression. Manufacturers in the U.S. have a long and proud history of standing firm in support of democracy, the rule of law, transparency, freedom and opportunity. We stand with President Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian people as they defend those values today and as they work to rebuild their country in the years ahead.

– NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons

This is the first business conference of Ukraine and the U.S. on such a scale. In our view, it will enable our partners in the U.S. to learn about the true situation in Ukraine, the business climate and our priorities. It will be the basis to shape direct ties, common interests and business plans that will boost economic activities of Ukraine.

– ULIE President Anatoliy Kinakh

In the Media:

WATCH: NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons joins CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” to discuss the NAM Board of Directors’ denouncement of Russia’s invasion, support for economic and financial sanctions against Russia and the demands for the removal of Russia from the World Trade Organization.

WATCH: NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons joins Yahoo Finance to discuss the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on manufacturing in the U.S. and the global supply chain and economy.

From NAM News:

Must Read: Don’t miss the latest news and insights from the NAM newsroom on manufacturers’ work to support Ukraine: