Holcomb, Zelenskyy to meet, talk partnership in Ukraine

Gov. Eric Holcomb delivered remarks during the Midwest U.S.-Japan Association conference in Japan (Photo courtesy of the governor's office).

Gov. Eric Holcomb is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday in Kyiv to discuss how Indiana can help Ukraine with agricultural and life science support amid the ongoing Russian invasion, the governor’s office announced.

Zelenskyy invited state governors to visit his war-ravaged country in July at the National Governors Association Summer Meeting in Salt Lake City. He implored the U.S. government to continue sending billions in military aid to uphold its defenses against Russia.

The visit will make Holcomb the first U.S. governor to travel to the country since Russia’s invasion more than two years ago.

“Indiana’s horizons extend far beyond our borders, and where others may hesitate, Hoosiers step up for friends in need,” Gov. Holcomb said in written statement. “Ukrainians are resilient, courageous and talented, and by strengthening the global connection, even during the most challenging of times, our communities and our people can mutually prosper, grow and thrive.”

The Ukraine trip is an addition to the governor’s previously announced trade trip to Slovakia and Italy, which began Saturday. Holcomb and a small delegation, including Svitlana Ramer, the Honorary Consul of Ukraine to Indiana, are scheduled to arrive in Ukraine on Thursday morning.

The delegation plans to meet with U.S. and Ukrainian leaders to discuss the state’s academic and economic relationships. Holcomb and Vitaliy Bunechko, the governor from Zhytomyr Oblast, will sign a memorandum of understanding to grow a relationship focused on academia, agriculture and economic development.

The governor and the delegation will later meet with Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to discuss how to “build local communities far beyond state and national borders.” Later, they will meet with U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink to show their “unwavering” support for her efforts during the conflict.

Holcomb will also visit the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, which honors those who have died in the country’s fight against Russia.