Ukraine, Russia and U.S. National Interests: Talking to Americans on Cross-Country Cycle Rides
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Join us for a conversation with Ambassador George Kent and learn about how his cross country "Ride4Ukraine" the past two summers supported the purchase of vehicles for Ukraine's defense against Russian invaders.
In the summer of 2025, the Kent family launched Ride4Ukraine, tracing the Trans American Bicycle Trail over 4400 miles from Astoria, Oregon to Washington, D.C.; the route was developed in 1976 to honor the U.S. Bicentennial. In 2026, they rode from Canada to Key West on U.S. Bike Route 1. They raised more than $180,000 on the two rides, enough to purchase seven trucks and additional equipment. Ambassador Kent will discuss Ukrainian innovation and resilience, why Ukraine matters, and why Russian aggression is a threat to U. S. national interests. Bring your appetites and enjoy a delicious buffet prepared by the Illini CC chef. Join us for the latest on Ukraine and a conversation with Ambassador Kent.
Ambassador Kent is a career U.S. Foreign Service officer who served as United States Ambassador to Estonia from 2023 to 2025. Kent earned a B.A. in Russian History and Literature from Harvard University, an M.A. from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University and an M.S. in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University. Kent joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1992 and over 33 years served in Uzbekistan, Poland, Thailand (twice), Ukraine (twice), and Estonia. His distinguished career also included domestic assignments as the Director for Europe and Asia in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, Senior Anti-Corruption Coordinator in the European Bureau, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the European and Eurasian Bureau, overseeing policy toward Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Kent speaks Ukrainian, Russian, Thai, and some Polish, German, and Italian.
5:30 PM: Cocktails
6:15 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Program
The program is free of charge. The cost for dinner is $45 for WACCI members and $55 for non-members. DInner reservations can be made at https://mywacci.org.
In the summer of 2025, the Kent family launched Ride4Ukraine, tracing the Trans American Bicycle Trail over 4400 miles from Astoria, Oregon to Washington, D.C.; the route was developed in 1976 to honor the U.S. Bicentennial. In 2026, they rode from Canada to Key West on U.S. Bike Route 1. They raised more than $180,000 on the two rides, enough to purchase seven trucks and additional equipment. Ambassador Kent will discuss Ukrainian innovation and resilience, why Ukraine matters, and why Russian aggression is a threat to U. S. national interests. Bring your appetites and enjoy a delicious buffet prepared by the Illini CC chef. Join us for the latest on Ukraine and a conversation with Ambassador Kent.
Ambassador Kent is a career U.S. Foreign Service officer who served as United States Ambassador to Estonia from 2023 to 2025. Kent earned a B.A. in Russian History and Literature from Harvard University, an M.A. from the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University and an M.S. in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University. Kent joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1992 and over 33 years served in Uzbekistan, Poland, Thailand (twice), Ukraine (twice), and Estonia. His distinguished career also included domestic assignments as the Director for Europe and Asia in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, Senior Anti-Corruption Coordinator in the European Bureau, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the European and Eurasian Bureau, overseeing policy toward Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Kent speaks Ukrainian, Russian, Thai, and some Polish, German, and Italian.
5:30 PM: Cocktails
6:15 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Program
The program is free of charge. The cost for dinner is $45 for WACCI members and $55 for non-members. DInner reservations can be made at https://mywacci.org.
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Where is it happening?
Illini Country Club, 1601 S Illini Rd,Springfield,IL,United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherWorld Affairs Council of Central Illinois
