WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 2026 — The Peace Through Strength Institute will host a high-level Ground Truth Symposium on March 25, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm, at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Congressional Auditorium, bringing frontline Ukrainian battlefield commanders to Washington to brief policymakers, defense leaders, and journalists on the rapidly evolving realities of drone warfare.
You are invited to attend a news conference in a separate room at the Capitol Visitor Center following the symposium at 3:30 pm where speakers will be available to answer journalist’s questions.
As the U.S. confronts waves of Iranian Shahed drones in the Middle East, American officials are warning that traditional air defenses may not be able to intercept them all. Recent briefings to Congress have acknowledged that these low-cost drones can overwhelm expensive interceptor systems and strain U.S. missile stockpiles.
Symposium participants will include commanders from elite Ukrainian drone and unmanned systems units such as the 12th Special Forces Brigade and the 414th UAV Brigade “Magyar’s Birds.” (Find a detailed list below.)
Also presenting will be analysts, manufacturers, and defense technology experts involved in the rapid development of counter-drone strategies.
Congressman Don Bacon will open the symposium.
But this is believed to be the first time active Ukrainian drone commanders have traveled to Washington to brief policymakers and journalists directly. They represent the first generation of leaders operating daily in what analysts describe as the world’s first drone-dominated battlefield.
Ukraine’s experience offers critical lessons for the United States and its allies – lessons the United States and our allies need now in the Iranian conflict.
The Ukrainian commanders appearing at the symposium have developed innovative countermeasures, including layered defense networks, electronic warfare, and drone-on-drone interception systems that are already reshaping modern military doctrine.
Event Details
Event: Ground Truth Symposium
Host: Peace Through Strength Institute, Bill Cole, President
Date: March 25, 2026; 11 am to 3 pm
Location: Capitol Visitor Center, Congressional Auditorium, Washington, D.C.
News Availability: Immediately following the Symposium, at 3:30 pm, presenters and moderators will be available in a separate room at the Capitol Visitor Center to answer questions from the media.
Audience:
Members of Congress, congressional staff, national security policymakers, defense experts, and journalists.
Featured Speakers Include battle-front commanders, personnel, and industry experts:
The 12th Special Forces Brigade
The Lazar Group
429th UAV Brigade “Achilles”
414th UAV Brigade “Magyar’s Birds”
59th UAV Brigade “Steppe Predators”
93rd Brigade
107th Separate Air Wing (F16 Pilot)
Military experts in electronic warfare and unmanned systems
Defense technology investors and analysts involved in Ukraine’s drone ecosystem