By Okon Ekpenyong

On August 23, 2025, the Ukrainian Cultural Association of Ohio held its first-ever Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration in Central Ohio in collaboration with Today’s Church in Grove City. Columbus city has close to 3,000 Ukrainians in population, coming next to Parma, near Cleveland.

Since its establishment in 1983, the Ukrainian Cultural Association of Ohio has been dedicated to preserving Ukrainian culture. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the association has collaborated with city, county, and state officials to support new arrivals. They have worked tirelessly to provide essential tools and resources to help these individuals succeed in their new environment.

Multiple sources report that about fifteen thousand people have moved to the Northeast Ohio region since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As Columbus continues to grow, Ukrainians living in other parts of the country are gradually moving to the area to be closer to their families because of the booming economy.

Local Ukrainians showcased traditional songs that touched the crowd. Handmade pastries and cultural dishes satisfied appetites, while artisan treasures offered a piece of their rich culture. The storytelling highlighted their history, celebrated hope and pride for a beloved homeland, and shared personal journeys, fostering a sense of connection and empathy among the audience.

One of the musicians, Stepha Dee, performed several Ukrainian songs as a heartfelt tribute to the past and present. As the day continued, more Ukrainian melodies resonated with the audience, touching the souls of many. Many were moved to tears as they reflected on their journeys to the United States and held onto hope for their loved ones who remain in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The organizers extend a huge thank you to all the Ukrainians and others who attended the event, volunteered their time to help with the decorations, and contributed to the delicious handmade treasures from Ukrainian artisans.

“We urge all Ohioans to take note of the global situation. The war, though it may seem distant, is having a profound impact on the Ukrainians living here in the States. Many of them have left their families behind, facing the harsh realities of conflict,” Pastor of the Today’s Church, which serves the Ukrainian in Central Ohio, said.

Under former President Joe Biden, his administration introduced a system called “The Programme”, which helped quickly establish a path for Ukrainians to resettle here in the United States because traditional US refugees take time to process, per a Yahoo and WSJ report. The working documents for Ukrainians are also set to expire, and per President Trump, once the war is over, he may order those who came under TPS to return to Ukraine.

Several meetings have taken place to discuss a peace resolution between European Union leaders and heads of state from France, Britain, Germany, and the United States to end the conflict between the two nations.

On August 15, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump met at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, to resolve tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The meeting did not result in a formal agreement or ceasefire, but both leaders cited the conversation as showing progress and understanding. Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the meeting as a personal victory for Putin and expressed concerns for possible retaliation.

Organizations like Ohio Legal Help are crucial in assisting Ukrainians with immigration, including TPS questions. The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services supports refugee resettlement through employment counseling and language training, aiding existing and new arrivals in adapting to their new home.

Under Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Summit on Ukrainian Refugees collaborates with various agencies to prepare for incoming refugees. UCAO supports cultural initiatives, maintains a social media presence, hosts official groups to preserve Ukrainian history, organizes the Ukrainian Relief Initiative, and assists with legal questions for new or existing arrivals.

The first-ever Ukrainian cultural independence day celebration organizer also called upon Ohio officials and the community to help Ukrainians retain their status. This call for support and solidarity reminds us that every individual’s contribution can make a real difference now.

Zipatlas reports that Parma, Ohio, about 16 minutes west of Downtown Cleveland, has the largest Ukrainian community in the state, followed closely by Columbus. With roughly 68,680 residents, New York City alone has the largest population, while Ohio, as a State, has approximately 40,746 residents.

The church had a map of Ukraine outside, and Ukrainians who attended the celebration marked the location or region of their origin in Ukraine. Despite the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainians in Central Ohio remain hopeful and committed to the cause, a testament to their resilience and strength.

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