Utah Leaders Honor Ukraine's Resilience on War Anniversary

State officials accept Ukrainian flag, pledge continued support on fourth year of Russian invasion

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Utah state leaders gathered to recognize the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, accepting a flag from Ukraine's Kharkiv Regional Council and expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people. They were joined by Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna, who emphasized the ongoing struggle against "terror and genocide." The Utah officials highlighted the state's strong partnership with Ukraine and the resilience and bravery of Ukrainians in defending their sovereignty.

Why it matters

This event underscores the continued global support for Ukraine as it battles the Russian invasion, now in its fourth year. Utah's leaders are demonstrating their state's commitment to Ukraine's fight for freedom and self-determination, which has resonated across the United States and the world.

The details

During the event in Salt Lake City, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Senate President Stuart Adams, House Speaker Mike Schultz, and other state leaders accepted a Ukrainian flag from the Kharkiv Regional Council. They were joined virtually by Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna, who stressed that this was not a celebration but a recognition of the ongoing "aggression, terror and genocide" her country faces. The Utah officials praised the resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people, with Cox noting that "everyone thought that invasion would be over in four days, and here we are, four years later, because people believe in liberty." The leaders also highlighted Utah's strong partnership with Ukraine, including the state's humanitarian aid efforts and being the first to send a delegation to the country after the war began.

  • Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
  • This event took place on February 24, 2026, marking the fourth anniversary of the start of the war.

The players

Spencer Cox

The Governor of Utah, who emphasized the power of freedom and Utah's support for Ukraine.

Olga Stefanishyna

Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, who joined the event virtually and stressed the ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.

Stuart Adams

The President of the Utah State Senate, who condemned the "evil" of Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Mike Schultz

The Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives, who expressed love and support for the Ukrainian people.

Nathaniel Saunders

The executive director of Utah for Ukraine, who spoke about the Ukrainians' motivation to defend their sovereignty.

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What they’re saying

“This is not, of course, a celebration and not even an anniversary. This is the recognition that four years since the beginning of a full-scale aggression against my country, we're still under this aggression. We're still under this terror and genocide.”

— Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S. (Deseret News)

“Everyone thought that invasion would be over in four days, and here we are, four years later, because people believe in liberty.”

— Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah (Deseret News)

“This is evil at its very worst, and we're going to stand for good. Utah always stands for good, against evil.”

— Stuart Adams, President of the Utah State Senate (Deseret News)

“Ambassador, please let the people of Ukraine know that we love them and that we see them, and what we do is truly support them, and our prayers are with them, and we are praying daily for peace in Ukraine.”

— Mike Schultz, Speaker of the Utah House of Representatives (Deseret News)

“We stand with you. We will help to rebuild. We know that the future is still very bright, and we want to be a part of that future.”

— Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah (Deseret News)

What’s next

The Utah leaders pledged continued support for Ukraine, including humanitarian aid efforts and partnership in the country's eventual rebuilding. They also expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates the enduring global support for Ukraine, even as the Russian invasion enters its fourth year. Utah's leaders have shown their state's unwavering commitment to Ukraine's fight for freedom and sovereignty, setting an example of solidarity that resonates across the United States.