Join the Global Ties Arizona and Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR) for a powerful and timely conversation with a visiting delegation of combat veterans from Ukraine.
This special program will feature three Ukrainian soldiers and combat veterans with firsthand experience from the frontlines of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. Drawing on this experience, they will share valuable insights into the realities of the war, the challenges of countering propaganda narratives, and broader implications for global security and democratic stability.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear directly from those on the frontlines and engage in a meaningful dialogue on one of today's most pressing international issues.
DATE: April 30, 2026
TIME: 4:30 - 6:00 pm
TICKETS:
GTAZ Ambassadors & PCFR Members: FREE
General Admission: $10
Speakers
Lynndy Smith
President & CEO of the Global Defense & Industry Coalition
Lynndy is the President & Co-Founder of the Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition and its umbrella organization the Global Defense & Industry Coalition. AZDIC is a coalition of regional organizations inspired by Senator McCain, comprising the defense and mining industries, military, veterans and more, to act as a united voice and advocate for regional and national security efforts. As President & Co-Founder of the Arizona Defense & Industry Coalition, Lynndy creates a united voice for over 1200 defense contractors on issues such as NDAA priorities, international engagement, and supply chain insecurities. Lynndy is also the Founder & CEO of Sweetwater Strategies, an Arizona based consulting that ensures client success through strategic government relations, international engagement, and coalition building.
Previously, Lynndy served as VP of Government Relations for Acronis SCS, a cyber protection company dedicated to serving the US Federal Government. Before that she served as the Outreach Director for Congresswoman Debbie Lesko. Additionally, before returning to the federal government, Lynndy managed multiple political campaigns including the NO on 127 Campaign where she helped organize over 300 coalitions against Proposition 127. She also served a short while with the late Senator John McCain.
Lynndy received a bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis in international relations from Amherst College in Massachusetts.
Melnyk Mykola
Founder & Director of Brave Children of Ukraine
Mykola Melnyk (b. August 15, 1985, Odesa, Ukraine) is a Ukrainian attorney, military officer, and policy expert. He currently serves as Founder and Director of the “Brave Children of Ukraine” Charitable Foundation.
Since February 2022, he has served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a Senior Lieutenant and company commander in the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade. He is also a veteran of the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps “Right Sector” (2017–2020) and was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, 3rd degree (2023).
Mykola has extensive experience in government and civil society. He is Director of the NGO “Leviathan Analytical Group” (2015–present), where he prepares analytical materials, legal opinions, draft laws, advocacy campaigns, and donor communications, and served as Director of the Ukrainian Gambling and Betting Association (2021–2022). He previously worked in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine as an assistant-consultant to a Member of Parliament and as a USAID parliamentary intern, contributing to legislative drafting, policy analysis, and public engagement. Earlier, he held multiple roles at Illichivsk City Council, focusing on youth policy, social programs, public engagement, and voter registry management.
He is the developer of over 150 draft laws and author of more than 100 journalistic articles. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of the NGO “League of Interns,” supporting youth internships in Ukraine’s central executive bodies and parliament.
An active international speaker, Mykola has presented at the National Defense University (Washington, DC), University of New Haven, Ukrainian Institute at Yale University, West Virginia University, and Stetson University, including a panel on “Drones in Modern Warfare” in New York (2025). He has also engaged with Ukrainian and American communities in Detroit, Albany, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago, and Scranton.
He holds a law degree from Odesa National Academy of Law and is currently pursuing a PhD in Law at Kyiv National University.
Haida Denys
Founder of Brave Children of Ukraine
Denys Haida (b. June 24, 1988, Brest, Belarus) is a Ukrainian veteran, humanitarian leader, and founder of the charitable foundation “Brave Children of Ukraine.” A dedicated defender of Ukraine, Denys served as a participant in the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps “Right Sector” from 2014 to 2018 and was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine in February 2022, where he continued his service as a soldier through May 2024.
For his bravery and commitment, Denys has received several distinguished honors, including the “People’s Hero of Ukraine” (2019) and the Order “For Courage,” awarded in both the 3rd degree (2022) and 2nd degree (2023).
Beyond his military service, Denys is deeply committed to community and humanitarian efforts. He is the founder of the “Brave Children of Ukraine” Charitable Foundation, supporting children impacted by the war, and a co-founder of the “Khodorivska Organization for ATO Veterans Support,” which assists veterans in their transition to civilian life.
He is currently pursuing studies in transport at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, further demonstrating his commitment to rebuilding and contributing to Ukraine’s future.
Bonchynskyi Oleh
Veteran, Senior Soldier-Operator, Armed Forces of Ukraine; Co-Founder & Head, Khodoriv Organization for Support of ATO Veterans
Bonchynskyi Oleh (b. March 25, 1988, Khodoriv, Ukraine) is a Ukrainian veteran, civic leader, and advocate for veterans’ support and reintegration.
Oleh took part in the 2014 Revolution of Dignity and went on to serve from 2014 to 2022 in the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps “Right Sector” as part of the Russian-Ukrainian war. From 2022 to 2025, he continued his service as a senior soldier-operator in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. His military service has been recognized with numerous national honors, including the Order “For Courage,” the Presidential award “For the Defense of Ukraine,” the “People’s Hero of Ukraine,” and the Commander-in-Chief’s “Cross of the Brave,” among others.
In addition to his military service, Oleh is deeply engaged in community work. He is the co-founder and head of the NGO “Khodoriv Organization for Support of ATO Veterans,” and an active member of the Association of Combatants of Ukraine. His work focuses on supporting veterans, strengthening community resilience, and contributing to Ukraine’s recovery efforts.
Oleh is currently pursuing studies at Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University in agricultural production, food processing, and technology, reflecting his commitment to contributing to Ukraine’s long-term development beyond military service.
