What role do faith, family, and democratic values play in Ukraine’s fight against authoritarian aggression?
In this episode of Peace and Power Ukraine, host Gary Marx is joined by Velentyna Pavsyukova and Yana Matviichuk, co-founders of the Research Institute of Saint Sophia, to discuss how Ukraine’s war with Russia is shaping the country’s identity, values, and future. Pavsyukova explains that one of the institute’s central goals is helping Americans better understand Ukraine as a country rooted in faith, family, and traditional values—something often misunderstood due to Russian propaganda and misinformation.
The conversation explores how the war has strained Ukrainian society, separating families as millions of refugees fled the country while fathers remained behind to defend the nation. Pavsyukova shares how her humanitarian organization Chalice of Mercy has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in medical supplies and aid to hospitals, soldiers, and civilians across Ukraine since the start of the war.
Matviichuk also outlines the geopolitical stakes of the conflict, arguing that Ukraine’s war is part of a broader global struggle between democratic nations and authoritarian regimes. She explains that emotional appeals alone are no longer enough—Western leaders must understand the pragmatic strategic interests at stake if democracy is to prevail.
The episode also examines how Ukraine’s battlefield experience—from drone warfare to medical logistics—has created new expertise that Ukraine can share with allies. As the war reshapes global security dynamics, Pavsyukova and Matviichuk argue that Ukraine is not merely seeking aid but offering partnership in defending the free world.
00:00 — Introduction and guest introductions
00:39 — Velentyna Pavsyukova and Yana Matviichuk join the podcast
01:30 — Founding the Research Institute of Saint Sophia
02:08 — Countering Russian propaganda about Ukraine
03:48 — Faith, family, and Ukrainian values
04:51 — The meaning of Saint Sophia in Ukrainian history
06:34 — Advocacy efforts during Ukraine Week in Washington
07:08 — Chalice of Mercy and defending the dignity of life
08:59 — Delivering humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Ukraine
10:21 — Ukraine’s battlefield experience and drone warfare
11:38 — Lobbying policymakers and explaining Ukraine’s strategy
18:41 — Why emotional arguments are no longer enough
19:17 — Ukraine’s war as a global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism
21:07 — The geopolitical impact of conflicts in Ukraine and Iran