WESTPORT–Three Ukrainian leaders from communities on the front line of Russia’s invasion of their country will speak at a public event hosted by the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club on Sept. 11.

The dignitaries, along with Marshall Mayer, co-founder of Ukraine Aid International (UAI), will join the Rotary Club in the community room of Greens Farms Congregational Church, 71 Hillandale Road, Westport. The public is welcome to the early morning meeting. Doors open at 7 a.m. and the meeting starts at 7:30 a.m.

The Ukrainian officials are:

• Vadym Fillaskin, governor of Donetsk Oblast
• Sergii Kalian, who has led the Bakhmut District Administration since 2022
• Oleksii Voroblov, who has led the Siversk City Administration since 2022

The UAI is bringing the delegation to the United States. A Connecticut based non-profit, UAI works directly with frontline Ukrainian officials and their local governments. The visit to Westport reflects the growing relationship between Connecticut and Donetsk Oblast, which became Sister State partners in 2025, the Rotary Club said.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Marshall and the officials as our guests,” said Jim Ezzes, president of the Westport Sunrise Rotary. “UAI’s work is ongoing and our club, along with other Rotary clubs and organizations, has supported UAI’s continuing efforts to bring relief to the people of Ukraine.”

Westport has established a longstanding Sister City partnership with Lyman, another heavily affected community in Donetsk Oblast.

“Most Americans experience this war through headlines,” Mayer said. “This is a rare opportunity to meet the people making the important decisions and to hear firsthand what is happening on the ground and better understand what is at stake for Ukraine and the world.”