On May 18, 2026, the Business Forum: U.S. Private Sector Engagement in Ukraine’s Reconstruction — “On the Road to the Ukraine Recovery Conference — URC 2026 in Gdańsk” took place in Washington, D.C.
Co-hosted by K&L Gates and the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), with support from Trident Group America, Inc., the forum brought together senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials, business leaders, investors, and private-sector representatives to discuss Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
During the event, Nick Iltsopoulos, CEO of Trident Group Ukraine LLC, highlighted the Sound of Life Campaign and its urgent message: while Ukraine is rebuilding, defending its people, and advancing its defense technology sector, Ukrainian children continue to go to sleep under the threat of Russian missile and drone attacks.
For parents in Ukraine, this fear is not abstract. It is the fear that a home, a school, or a hospital may be hit. It is the fear that a child may be injured, killed, or trapped under rubble.
That is why the Sound of Life Campaign continues to state clearly:
Air defense is civilian protection. Air defense is child protection.
We are deeply grateful to the officials, leaders, advocates, and partners who listened to this message, wore the whistle, and joined our effort to speak for the safety of Ukrainian children. Special thanks to K&L Gates and the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) for the opportunity to share this story with their audience and partners.
We invite everyone to help carry this message further: share the campaign, start conversations in your community, reach out to elected officials, and call for stronger air defense support for Ukraine.
Help us protect children and preserve their safe childhood.
