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About the Summit
The Ukraine Freedom Summit is a high-impact annual gathering where world leaders, innovators, investors, and Ukraine's frontline heroes unite — to accelerate Ukraine's victory, care for its veterans, and champion the country's recovery. It is a program of The Borderlands Foundation.
Our mission
After three years of war, the world is growing 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
Forge strategic partnerships and showcase the defence technologies that give Ukraine the edge — turning battlefield innovation into tangible support for the war effort.
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, Sam 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
100% of donations support Ukraine's veterans. The Borderlands Foundation is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 88-1118730.