On February 5, 2026, in the very heart of Washington, D.C., at the Capitol Complex’s Rayburn House Office Building, the International Conference “Freedom Has A Name and It's Called Ukraine” took place.
The event was led by Pastor Mark Burns, spiritual advisor to President Donald Trump and head of the global initiative “Spiritual Diplomats,” and was hosted on the platform of the ALLATRA International Public Movement.
Representatives of the U.S. Department of State, Members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, military officers, faith leaders, and humanitarian advocates took part in the conference — all united in their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, its freedom, and the safe return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
As part of this critically important event, the President of the ALLATRA International Public Movement, Maryna Ovtsynova, delivered a powerful and deeply moving address.
She spoke to the international community with an urgent message: today, Ukraine is defending not only its own borders — it is defending the very idea of freedom itself.
It was a speech about life and death. About Ukrainian mothers who go to bed each night beside their children — not because of the cold, but to shield them with their own bodies in the event of a Russian missile strike. About the pain that has become an everyday reality. The address conveyed the full depth of the tragedy that Ukrainian families face every single day and every single moment.
At the heart of Maryna Ovtsynova’s address was a clear and unwavering message: the war waged by Russia against Ukraine is an attempt to destroy the very principle of freedom — the right of nations to choose their own future and live free from dictatorship and tyranny. Today, Ukraine is paying an extraordinary price not only for itself. It stands at a critical crossroads where the world’s future will be determined — whether it remains a realm of law or becomes a realm of force.
It was also emphasized that Russian aggression is carried out not only with missiles and drones. It is conducted through systematic disinformation and information warfare aimed at dividing democratic societies. Maryna Ovtsynova explained that the ALLATRA International Public Movement has also fallen victim to Russia’s large-scale disinformation campaign. Since 2014, ALLATRA has been providing comprehensive support to Ukraine, with its volunteers defending the country and working in humanitarian missions and evacuation centers. It is precisely because of this support and for speaking the truth about Putin’s criminal regime, FSB agents launched a widespread disinformation campaign against ALLATRA around the world — at a time when the only country that has banned ALLATRA is Russia itself.
The central theme of the speech was this: defense is the very nature of the Ukrainian nation. Defense of children. Defense of dignity. Defense of freedom. Ukrainian volunteers, medics, teachers, and soldiers — millions of people make daily choices to put others first. And it is precisely for this reason that, by defending their homes, Ukrainians are defending the entire democratic world — the very principle that human life is more important than the imperial ambitions of a tyrant.
The words spoken that day at the “Freedom Has A Name and It's Called Ukraine” conference are not just a testimony to the war. They are a reminder of responsibility. History will ask each of us: what did we do when the fate of freedom was at stake?
Ukraine today is fighting for all of us. And when our grandchildren will ask us, “What did you do when the fate of freedom was being decided?” I truly hope that the answer of each of us will be: “We stood with Ukraine.” Glory to Ukraine! Слава Україні!
Full video of the “Freedom Has A Name and It's Called Ukraine” conference:
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