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The Ukraine Freedom Summit is an annual gathering where American and Ukrainian veterans meet — where Ukraine’s veterans tell their own story, and where people who want to help the country recover can meet them. It is a program of The Borderlands Foundation.
Our mission
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the world has grown tired — and Russia spends billions on disinformation. We counter it not with speeches, but with the authentic voices of the veterans who survived. Politicians make statements; veterans who've lived the war tell the truths that change hearts and minds. The Summit brings them to the world's stages, and funds their recovery back home.
What we do
Bring Americans face to face with the people rebuilding Ukraine’s economy and security, and the veterans who defended it — so their story is heard first-hand.
Invest in mental health, PTSD treatment, prosthetics, and reintegration — helping Ukrainian veterans heal in body and mind and return to civilian life.
Facilitate the partnerships and investment that rebuild Ukraine's economy, infrastructure, and communities — stronger than before the war.
The Borderlands Foundation
A U.S. combat veteran who commanded in Iraq and taught Russian history at West Point, Samuel Cook came to Ukraine in 2018 — long before it was a cause the world rallied behind. He built The Borderlands Foundation to stand with Ukraine's veterans and preserve the story of their fight. The Freedom Summit is one of its programs.
Trusted voices
“Sam Cook knows the country, its leaders, and the reality on the ground. His relationships, knowledge, and expertise have been invaluable — the overall combination is very powerful.”
— Gen. (Ret.) David Petraeus
“Sam and his team coordinated impactful meetings that led to a deeper understanding of what is happening on the ground, not just what's reported in the headlines. A trusted partner for us in Ukraine.”
— Suzanne Kelly, CEO, The Cipher Brief
“The Borderlands Foundation is the place we all know we can go to if we want to meet someone else important. It's a key part of the ecosystem here.”
— Evan Platt, Co-Director, Zero Line
March 15–18, 2027. The Summit is run by The Borderlands Foundation, a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 88-1118730.
Our IRS filings are public. How we report →