Gov. Eric Holcomb’s trip to Europe will now include a visit to Ukraine and a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to an administration release, Holcomb will be the first governor to visit the country since Russia invaded in 2022.
Holcomb was in Slovakia, a longstanding military partner of Indiana, to celebrate a local national holiday and also stopped in Italy as part of an economic development tour. Svitlana Ramer, the honorary consul of Ukraine to Indiana, will join the delegation, which traveled from Milan to Kyiv today.
“Indiana’s horizons extend far beyond our borders and where others may hesitate, Hoosiers step up for friends in need,” Holcomb said in a release. “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.”
In Ukraine, Holcomb will meet with U.S. and Ukrainian government leaders to “discuss Indiana’s role in maintaining overseas academic and economic relationships.” Zelenskyy invited U.S. governors to visit his country to witness firsthand the effects of the ongoing conflict back in July at the National Association of Governors meeting in Utah.
Holcomb’s meeting with Zelenskyy will explore “how Indiana can strengthen its support of Ukraine now and in the future,” specifically agriculture and life science sectors. Indiana and Ukrainian province Zhytomyr will sign a memorandum of understanding with a focus on “community building through collaborative efforts in academia, agriculture and economic development.”
The calendar for the delegation also includes meetings with the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and U.S. Ambassador Bridget A. Brink. Holcomb will also visit the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, which honors those who have died in the war.
The Indiana Economic Development Foundation, which privately fundraises for such international economic development trips, will be paying for the governor’s travel. This will be his first trip to Ukraine as governor.
