On Monday, February 24, the Genesis Prize Foundation marked the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with a high-profile event that brought together influential voices committed to supporting Ukraine. Among those in attendance were Stan Polovets, co-founder and chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation along with his co-founder Natan Sharansky and actor-activist Liev Schreiber.
Polovets, Sharansky, and Schreiber were united in their refusal to soften the language around Russia’s actions. In contrast to some Trump administration officials who have attempted to downplay the events of February 24, 2022, all three figures—and representatives from 21 NGOs funded by the Genesis Prize Foundation—unambiguously condemned the Russian invasion. These organizations, working on the ground in Ukraine, witness firsthand the suffering caused by the conflict and hold no illusions about who bears responsibility for the devastation.
The event also came at a time of escalating tension in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Recent meetings between President Trump, Vice President Vance, and President Zelensky have left diplomatic ties at a low ebb. This tension was compounded by the U.S. State Department’s decision to halt all payments to Ukrainian NGOs—even for completed projects—a move that threatens to shutter critical humanitarian operations. According to Polovets, this funding freeze could lead to dire consequences: doctors may be forced out of work, healthcare clinics could close, construction on classrooms to replace bombed schools might halt, and essential generators may never be installed to counter Russian bombardments.
In response to these alarming developments, actor Liev Schreiber, through his co-founded initiative BlueCheck Ukraine, is redoubling efforts to fast-track vital financial support to Ukrainian NGOs. “The people of Ukraine are fighting not just for their country’s sovereignty, but for the future of Europe and the free world,” Schreiber declared at the event.
Stan Polovets detailed these urgent concerns, stressing the critical nature of the moment. “We cannot stand by while U.S. policy decisions undermine the incredible work being done on the ground in Ukraine,” Polovets said. “Every day that funding is withheld, the risk to human lives grows. It is imperative that we rally support and direct resources to where they are needed most.”
The Genesis Prize event, held at Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar’s residence, served as a rallying cry for renewed international commitment. Polovets, Sharansky, and Schreiber called on donors, policymakers, and global leaders to support BlueCheck Ukraine and ensure that humanitarian aid continues unabated. They warned that without swift intervention, the repercussions of the funding freeze would be felt not only in Ukraine but across the entire free world.
In a period when geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises increasingly intersect, the voices of Stan Polovets and his colleagues offer a sobering reminder of the stakes at hand. Their message was clear: support for Ukraine is not merely a regional issue—it is a test of global commitment to democracy and human dignity. As the event concluded, the call to action resonated loudly, urging every supporter of freedom to contribute to the lifesaving work of BlueCheck Ukraine.