Thank You Letter from the City of Chornomorsk

by Ryan Markiewicz | Jul 17, 2025 | Berlin's Wall

All,

Please see the thank-you letter we recently received from the City of Chornomorsk, Erie’s sister city.

As you know, LP has been active in the Odesa region—through our work in the ports, our support for The Seasters at their beautiful Chonomorets stadium, and our sponsorship of a girls’ soccer school in Chornomorsk.

We also just helped the local hospital finance the acquisition of a much-needed mammogram machine.

You might ask, “Why a mammogram machine in a war zone?”

They’ve told us that many people have fled the eastern regions where the fighting is most intense. As a result, local hospitals are overwhelmed and under-equipped to handle the rising demand for “normal” medical needs, like breast cancer screening.

We’re proud to support the people of Chornomorsk, Odesa, and all of Ukraine—however and wherever we can.

Onward! -JB

Day One – Standing With Ukraine

by Ryan Markiewicz | Jul 11, 2025 | Berlin's Wall

All,

Today marked the opening day of the conference, and it was nothing short of historic. Prime Ministers from across Europe delivered passionate speeches affirming their unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on the status of the war. How wife, Olena, talked about the damage done to the buildings, and more so, the people who have endured 3 years of war in their homes and their land.

The G7 Ukraine Reconstruction Business Advisory Council (BAC)

A historic first day

We met with top leaders of Ukraine defense

Representing the United States, General Keith Kellogg, US Envoy to Ukraine, echoed that support, invoking the spirit of post-WWII recovery: “We’ve been here before—in 1945, when the Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe. And look at Europe today after all the destruction from that war.” His message was clear: America stands ready to help Ukraine rebuild.

Retired U.S. General Keith Kellogg gave a strong and important speech

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that America is not only committed to Ukraine’s recovery but also to ensuring that only those countries that supported Ukraine during its darkest hours will have the opportunity to contribute to its reconstruction.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged strong support to rebuild Ukraine

That principle is at the heart of the Business Advisory Council, which LP has proudly helped shape from its inception. Alongside with businesses from 18 countries (Northrop Grumman and Palantir are the 2 other US reps) we’re working to drive American investment into Ukraine—not just after the war, but right now. As many of you know, LP has been deeply involved since the early days, helping companies deliver essential goods—military, energy, and commercial—when and where they’re needed most. We’ve become, in many ways, the tip of the shovel.

With Petro, who helped with all the folks we met. Represents well and a good guy! And his lovely wife Oxana keeps him on target 🙂

Derek is the unsung hero of LP’s work in the BAC

Derek and I sharing a light moment at the BAC meeting

Before my talk put him to sleep. Can’t really blame him hahaha

I also had the chance to share with attendees some of the incredible contributions LP and our team have made in support of Ukraine:

• Our courageous employees working inside Ukraine
• The hockey camps providing relief and joy to Ukrainian children
• The soccer stadium and Seasters program in Odesa
• The Sister City relationship between the Port of Chornomorsk and the Port of Erie—two ports, two cities, united by their pivotal roles in each of their country’s fight for freedom and independence.

This is more than a conference. It’s a moment in history. And I’m proud—we all should be proud—of the role LP continues to play.

Onward,
-JB

Greetings From Rome – A Pivotal Moment for Ukraine

by Ryan Markiewicz | Jul 10, 2025 | Berlin's Wall

All,

Greetings from Rome—a truly beautiful city and a fitting host for this year’s BAC meeting. We’re honored to welcome Barbara Cimmino as she steps into the leadership role, representing Italy, and succeeding our good friend Christian Bruch of Germany. Christian, Chairman of Siemens Energy, has done an exceptional job over the past year, helping launch several key projects in support of Ukraine. We look forward to continuing to work with him and his team—and to Barbara’s leadership in the year ahead.

I’m here with Petro Fedoruk from our Ukraine team, and Derek, who is the one most closely connected to this effort and has played a leading role with the other BAC Sherpas this past year.

This meeting comes at a critical moment for Ukraine. As you’re aware, Russia has escalated its attacks, unleashing record numbers of missiles and drones and beginning a new summer offensive. Ukraine has held firm—responding with resilience, creativity, and courage—but urgently needs the weapons and support to defend itself. Encouragingly, increased aid appears to be on the way from both the EU and the US.

The BAC is here to help shape Ukraine’s Redevelopment and Reconstruction, advising on how governments and companies can invest in both its defense and its future. Our role is to help reduce barriers and unlock opportunities for private sector engagement in Ukraine’s recovery.

Looking forward to a productive discussion—and one that drives action. We have an outstanding group of government and corporate leaders here from the world’s leading economies.

Onward! -JB