State Dept. screens AP-PBS Ukraine war film days after 2-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. State Department on Tuesday hosted a screening of the award-winning Associated Press-PBS “Frontline” Ukraine war documentary “20 Days in Mariupol,” days after Ukraine marked the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Elizabeth Allen, under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, said the film not only documented the reality of the war but counters “disinformation campaigns attempting to erase Ukraine’s sovereignty, identity and culture.” She said the State Department has plans to screen it in more than 30 countries around the world.

“I just want to reiterate here my firm belief that cultural diplomacy is an essential component of our national security strategy,” Allen told those who attended Tuesday’s screening, many of them diplomats from foreign embassies in Washington.

The screening came as uncertainty in Congress is mounting over continued U.S. aid for Ukraine and as Ukrainian forces face growing challenges on the frontline, including ammunition shortages.

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