On 20–21 December, Zakarpattia became the centre of national dialogue. The region hosted the All-Ukrainian Forum «Ми різні, ми єдині та об’єднані» (“We are different, we are one and united”), organised on the initiative of the Alliance of National Communities «Європейська Коаліція». The event brought together leaders of ethnic communities, service personnel, diplomats and public officials for a frank conversation about the future of Ukraine — a future in which diversity is not a challenge but a strategic asset.
The Forum deliberately moved away from the format of dry presentations. It was a strategic venue for open dialogue on unity, development and Ukraine’s European course, where participants discussed the role of national communities in shaping the country’s future.
Opening the event, the Chair of the Alliance and philanthropist Roland Tseber stressed that the idea for it was born not in offices but during visits to communities in different regions of the country.
“The enemy does not ask what our ethnicity is. It does not divide us into larger and smaller communities. The enemy sees only one thing — we are Ukrainians. We are a people that resists. And that is precisely why it matters more than ever to speak about unity, about our ability to act together. Not at the level of declarations, but at the level of concrete, everyday work,” Tseber said.
He stressed that diversity is Ukraine’s strength, and that the Forum should become a space where national communities are not only heard but can also influence state decision-making.
Particular attention was paid to the theme of “unity at the front”. Petro Yatsenko of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence and Viktor Troshki, a serviceman of the 128th Brigade and an ethnic Hungarian, shared a common experience: in the trenches under shelling, ethnicity does not matter.
“Our strength lies only in unity, mutual respect and support. It must not diminish — it must only grow. And Ukraine as a state will do everything so that everyone feels comfortable, safe and free, and can raise their wonderful children in peace,” Yatsenko stressed.
Countering Russian narratives about the “oppression of communities” was another recurring theme. Roman Sarai, Head of the Zakarpattia Regional Council, recalled that the best answer to propaganda was the visit of 24 EU ambassadors to Zakarpattia, who saw the region’s multi-ethnic harmony for themselves. At the same time, MP Yevheniia Kravchuk warned of the tragedy of communities under occupation — in particular the Greeks of the Azov region, whose identity Russia is trying to erase completely.
The Forum was a step towards institutional consolidation: participants discussed expanding the Alliance «Європейська Коаліція» and creating new mechanisms of cooperation. International guests also voiced their support: the American politician Borys Pinkus, and Szent-Iványi István, President of the Hungarian Connect Europe Association, who stressed that support for Ukraine in Hungary is far broader than official news coverage sometimes suggests.
The first day culminated in the signing of the Declaration on the Unity of the National Communities of Ukraine, which set out the communities’ readiness to work together for victory and a European future. The document affirms shared values, the principles of mutual respect, and a commitment to further cooperation.
The second day was marked by the ceremonial installation of the Ukrainian border post from Snake Island, and by a closed meeting of representatives of the national communities, at which concrete mechanisms of cooperation, the creation of thematic departments and the further development of the Alliance were discussed. Representatives also proposed discussing the creation of a joint political party in the future.
The Forum «Ми різні, ми єдині та об’єднані» was not only a response to the challenges of the war, but also confirmation that Ukraine’s national communities are united around the country’s European future and a shared vision of its development.
