Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine

Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine Founding member and first president, Mr. The name is based upon President Franklin D.

ODFFU, Inc., established in 1946, is a New York not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the Four Freedoms through education, humanitarian assistance, civic engagement, and support for Ukraine’s democratic development. Organization for the Defense of Four Freedoms for Ukraine | Організація Оборони Чотирьох Свобід України

The ODFFU was formed on October 27, 1946 at a conference of repres

entatives from various Ukrainian American organizations in New York City. Yevhen Liakhovych, an engineer by training and a Ukrainian patriot at heart, established the ODFFU to support the struggle for a free and independent Ukraine. Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" speech before the US Congress on January 25, 1941. This speech formed the basis of a strategic partnership between the United States and Great Britain that became embodied in a declaration known as the Atlantic Charter. Following an extensive remodeling at the National Archives, President Roosevelt's speech sits alongside America's founding documents like the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. The ODFFU grew from a small group of dedicated individuals with one branch in the city of Newark, New Jersey, to a large national organization with over 57 branches located throughout the United States. In 1991, Ukraine declared its independence, sealing the fate of the Soviet Union and bringing about an end to the Cold War. In 2004, with the "Orange Revolution" Ukraine stepped onto the road to democracy. The ODFFU continues its work to ensure that the four freedoms are protected in Ukraine today.

In August 1991, American television carried the news Ukrainians had waited generations to hear: Ukraine was independent ...
08/25/2026

In August 1991, American television carried the news Ukrainians had waited generations to hear: Ukraine was independent again.

Thirty-five years later, this footage carries a much heavier meaning. Here in America, Independence Day celebrates freedom won generations ago. In Ukraine, independence is being defended every day.

Russia is trying to wipe Ukraine off the map. It bombs Ukrainian cities, steals Ukrainian children, and erases Ukrainian identity in occupied communities. Ukraine’s defenders are holding the line so their children can grow up free, speak Ukrainian, know their own history, and never need Moscow’s permission to exist.

Ukraine still stands because its people refuse to surrender, no matter the cost. We remember the fallen, pray for those still fighting, and stand with every family carrying the pain of this war.

On Ukraine’s Independence Day, ODFFU stands with Ukrainians here in America, in Ukraine, and around the world. Wherever Ukrainians live, Ukraine lives with them.
Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes.

August 24 1991 Ukraine Declares Independence NY News Reports - inte...

Thank you Pennsylvania State Senators Lisa Boscola, Jay Costa, and Wayne Fontana for the Certificate of Recognition pres...
08/24/2026

Thank you Pennsylvania State Senators Lisa Boscola, Jay Costa, and Wayne Fontana for the Certificate of Recognition presented to our Pittsburgh Chapter. Your unwavering support of the Ukrainian community and Ukraine's fight for independence is a consummate symbol of freedom. We are honored and grateful for your involvement.

08/24/2026

The proclamation of independence in 1991 was not the beginning of Ukraine’s statehood, but the culmination of a centuries – long history and a long struggle to regain a sovereign state.

Across different periods of history, from the times of Rus to the Cossack Hetmanate and the Ukrainian People’s Republic, people here had various forms of statehood and governance. In 1991, Ukraine restored its independence after decades of Soviet rule – a return to the independent Ukrainian state, declared by the Ukrainian People’s Republic over 100 years ago.

Words matter – they shape how history is understood. Saying that Ukraine restored its independence, rather than was born in 1991, recognises this longer historical continuity and the role of generations of Ukrainians who helped shape the country as it is today.

08/24/2026
ODFFU Chicago proudly took part in the 2026 Ukrainian Unity March alongside community organizations, clergy, families, a...
08/24/2026

ODFFU Chicago proudly took part in the 2026 Ukrainian Unity March alongside community organizations, clergy, families, and friends to mark 35 years of restored independence.

Generations fought for that freedom, and today Ukraine’s defenders protect it at an enormous cost. We marched to honor them, remember the fallen, and reaffirm our commitment to a sovereign and democratic future.

We are grateful to everyone who came out, carried the blue-and-yellow flag, and stood with the Ukrainian people. As Russia continues its war of destruction, our solidarity matters more than ever.

08/23/2026
08/23/2026

З Днем Незалежності!

Richard Gere - On Ukraine
08/23/2026

Richard Gere - On Ukraine

Річард Гір — з Україною 🇺🇦 Американський актор, володар «Золотого глобуса» та зірка «Красуні» й «Хатіко» записав відеозвернення для українців, у якому, окрім сл....

08/23/2026
08/23/2026

“Education has always been at the heart of UNWLA’s mission, as books are one of the most powerful ways to hear a nation’s voice, understand its values, and connect across cultures. Our Book Club is especially meaningful because it allows our members to share pride in their Ukrainian heritage w...

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