CREATE UKRAINE

CREATE UKRAINE was launched to bring Ukrainian professionals aged 22–35 back home to apply their international experience and the best global practices. Its goal is to support the Government in advancing European integration, implementing reforms, and addressing the challenges of war.

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Applications open in
summer 2026

The pilot phase of Create Ukraine is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Lithuania within the framework of the EU4Youth program, aimed at supporting young people.

 

The second phase of the program is funded by the Lithuanian Fund for the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid.

 

The program is implemented by the Central Project Management Agency in partnership with the KSE Foundation, and the Ministry of economy, environment, and agriculture of Ukraine, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and in close cooperation with the Government of Ukraine.

About the program

Driven by ambitious career goals, young people increasingly leave their home countries in search of opportunities.

 

Create Ukraine aims to bring back talented Ukrainians who have gained valuable international experience.

 

In 2024, the pilot phase of the program engaged 10 professionals who joined the team at the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. In 2025, Create Ukraine is scaling up: we will select 25 young professionals to work in ministries and key public institutions on national priority projects, Ukraine’s recovery, and the EU accession process.

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Opportunities

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Create Ukraine participants will join advisory teams within the Government of Ukraine and, over the course of 12 months, will:
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    contribute to state-building and European integration processes
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    complete a certified Government Relations program by KSE
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    gain access to seminars and workshops led by top experts
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    become part of a changemakers’ community
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    study targeted programs in leadership, policy analysis, and project management
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    take part in a strategic partnership between the Government and civil society
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    work alongside teams to tackle strategic challenges

Apply if you are:

Ukrainian

Young professional

Graduate

Experienced

Linguistically Proficient

Ready to work on strategic national projects

Patriot

Ukrainian

Applicants must hold Ukrainian citizenship and have been living abroad for at least one year at the time of application. You must also be ready to return to Ukraine.

Young professional

Create Ukraine is part of an initiative focused on supporting youth and encouraging their return home.


You must be between 22 and 35 years old at the time of application.

Graduate

A completed higher education degree is required.

Experienced

You must have at least one year of professional experience abroad in one of the following areas:


– economics
– investment
– recovery and reconstruction
– European integration
– legal reform
– international policy
– education
– environmental protection
– agriculture
– social policy
– culture
– humanitarian development
– or other related fields.

OR

If you do not have international work experience, you may still be eligible if you hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a foreign university (preference is given to EU institutions).

You must demonstrate strong motivation and successfully pass the interview process.


Priority will be given to candidates who have both an international education and work experience abroad.

Linguistically Proficient

Fluency in Ukrainian and English is required. Knowledge of additional languages is an advantage.

Ready to work on strategic national projects

You will be assigned to a team within a government ministry that best matches your background and aspirations.

The program is implemented in close collaboration with key government institutions. All project topics are aligned with national priorities, Ukraine’s recovery, and the EU accession process.

Potential areas of your work may include:


– economic policy, investment attraction, and entrepreneurship development
– regional reconstruction and infrastructure modernization
– European and Euro-Atlantic integration
– institutional development, legal reform, and rule of law
– international policy and public diplomacy
– development of modern, high-quality education (including school nutrition reform)
– environmental transformation, green energy, and climate resilience
– food security and agricultural innovation
– social policy, including support for vulnerable groups and promotion of inclusivity in all areas of public policy
– national unity, humanitarian policy, youth and cultural development

The program unites ambitious professionals to accelerate Ukraine’s European integration, recovery, and institutional capacity building.

Patriot

You are driven to contribute to Ukraine’s development and are committed to working in the public sector.

 

You are ready to work on-site, full-time for the 12-month duration of the program.

  • Help the Government
  • Make decisions
  • Manage risks
  • Revitalize the economy
  • Support eurointegration
  • Transform
  • Overcome crises
  • Become an agent of change
  • Enhance the country's resilience
  • Act
  • Realize your potential

BECOME A CHANGEMAKER FOR YOUR COUNTRY

Apply

Stages

  • 1

    Application Submission

  • 2

    Review and Validation

  • 3

    Invitation to Interview

  • 4

    Decision Making

  • 5

    Receiving an Offer

  • 6

    Returning to Ukraine

  • 7

    Start of Work

Q&A

  • Will I receive compensation for my work, and what will the amount be?

    Yes, the program provides financial support in the amount of EUR 1500 per month (in UAH equivalent before taxes).

  • Will I become a civil servant?

    No, the program does not involve formal employment within ministry staff. However, you will be part of advisory teams and work directly with the leadership and employees of state institutions.

  • When will I start working?

    The application deadline is September 10, 2025 (inclusive).

     

    If your application is successful, you will receive a response within one month of submission. You will then be invited to an interview conducted in English.

     

    You must return to Ukraine in advance after receiving an offer in order to begin work between December 2025 and January 2026.

  • What areas of expertise are required?

    Relevant experience includes working abroad in the fields of:


    – economics
    – investment
    – recovery and reconstruction
    – European integration
    – legal reform
    – international policy
    – education
    – environmental protection
    – agriculture
    – social policy
    – culture
    – humanitarian development
    – or related areas.

    You are also welcome to apply if you do not have international work experience but hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a foreign university.

    Your potential areas of work may include:


    – economic policy, investment attraction, and entrepreneurship development
    – regional reconstruction and infrastructure modernization
    – European and Euro-Atlantic integration
    – institutional development, legal reform, and rule of law
    – international relations and public diplomacy
    – development of modern and high-quality education, including school nutrition reform
    – environmental transformation, green energy, and climate resilience
    – food security and innovation in agriculture
    – social policy, including support for vulnerable groups and promotion of inclusivity across all areas of public policy
    – national unity, humanitarian policy, youth and culture development

  • How can I organize my return to Ukraine during wartime?

    Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation in Kyiv. The program will cover relocation costs up to EUR 400.

     

    We will support you throughout the relocation and onboarding process and provide answers to all your questions.

     

    The program also offers psychological support to help participants adjust during the initial stage.

  • What is the duration of the program?

    You will begin your work between December 2025 and January 2026, and the program will last 12 months.

  • Is remote work from abroad allowed?

    No. To participate in the program, you must be ready to return to Ukraine and work on-site.

  • What happens after the program ends?

    After 12 months of working with a government ministry, your participation in Create Ukraine will formally end.

     

    However, you will be eligible to apply for open positions in ministries across Ukraine, continuing your contribution to the public sector. This will allow you to address wartime challenges and actively support Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

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Create Ukraine 2024–2025 Participants

Anastasiia Bilanenko
Anastasiia Bilanenko
Auditor, Financial Analyst, and Senior Finance Manager

International Experience: Anastasiia is an expert in the financial field with 10 years of work experience in Australia and the United Kingdom. Holds Masters degree in Economics and is ACCA, UK member.

 

As a Manager at EY Sydney, she led audit teams, participated in financial fraud investigations and advised government agencies on conflict of interest management. She also worked for global companies (Brookfield, Blackstone) where she was involved in financial modeling, planning and analysis, developing controls and business processes, and supporting business transformation during IPO and mergers.

 

In the United Kingdom, Anastasiia held management positions in the finance departments of Hydrafacial and Estée Lauder, where she was responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, and cost management.

 

Professional Goal:

Anastasiia aims to apply her international experience in corporate governance and budgeting to the anti-corruption field and contribute to ensuring transparency in the activities of public institutions and economic agents.

Iryna Volokha
Iryna Volokha
Communications Specialist, Publisher

International Experience: Iryna began her international career at Greenshore International, a boutique consulting firm, where she provided strategic recommendations to European clients. She then contributed to the development of an online legal dictionary for the Ukrainian legal community at the Zentrum des Deutschen Rechts. At the Canadian company Oslos, Iryna led the operations, marketing, and external communications department, driving brand promotion through social media strategies.

 

Iryna is also the founder of Eduwest, a Ukrainian-Canadian company that offered tutoring services and comprehensive turn-key publishing solutions for international authors.

 

Since 2022, Iryna has been working with various Canadian companies, refining her expertise in UX design and content strategy.

 

Professional Goal:

Leveraging her experience in UX design and operational management, Iryna aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of public service delivery. She is dedicated to initiatives that foster stronger collaboration between government entities and the public.

Oksana Havryliv
Oksana Havryliv
International Relations Specialist, Business Manager

International Experience: Oksana has a diverse international professional background in public administration, business, and international relations.

 

In her role as Assistant to the Vice Consul at the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria, she was responsible for citizen services and preparing legal documents. At the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany, she worked as an assistant in the economic affairs department, participating in organizing high-level visits and meetings and analyzing the economic aspects of Ukraine-Germany cooperation.

 

This year, Oksana completed an internship in the office of a Member of the European Parliament. Her responsibilities included issues related to mobilizing resources for international aid to Ukraine, digital transformation, energy independence, critical raw materials, and the implementation of the European Green Deal, including Ukraine’s role in this process, particularly its potential in energy transformation and sustainable development.

 

Before joining the Create Ukraine project, Oksana worked as an assistant to the head of the Austrian construction company Seal Bau GmbH, where she was responsible for preparing contracts, managing document flow, coordinating projects, and liaising with authorities and partners.

 

Professional Goal:

Oksana plans to leverage her experience working with international organizations to implement programs aimed at attracting foreign investments to Ukraine, thereby fostering economic development and strengthening the position of Ukrainian businesses. She seeks to create the economic conditions necessary for the return of Ukrainian citizens to their homeland and to enhance international cooperation through joint projects that will support Ukraine’s integration into the global economy and political landscape, as well as advance the country’s Euro-Atlantic course.

Olena Dziubko
Olena Dziubko
Project Manager, International Relations Specialist

International Experience: Olena gained a unique international experience of studying in six countries. Over the past few years, she has deepened her expertise in international political economy and development economics.

 

She has a background in working with non-governmental organisations in Finland and Slovakia.

 

She worked as a project manager at the Finnish organization Daisy Ladies, which focuses on helping immigrant women adapt. Together with her team, Olena organized cultural exchange events, presentations, exhibitions, and financial literacy training for women.

 

In Slovakia, as part of her work with the International Visegrad Fund, she was involved in managing and analyzing regional development projects in Central Europe and the Western Balkans. Throughout her experience, Olena has cooperated with more than twenty international donor organisations and embassies of the EU countries and the US.

 

In addition, Olena participated in several Erasmus study and volunteer projects abroad.

 

Professional Goal:

Olena aims to integrate her knowledge and skills into government programs that promote economic development and help build resilience in Ukraine.

Roksolana Smerechynska
Roksolana Smerechynska
International Governance Specialist

International Experience: Roksolana’s international experience spans the fields of international relations, EU policies, political analysis, and strategic communications.

 

She completed her master’s degree at Sciences Po, where she studied the impact of European integration on national economies and the participation of women in entrepreneurship and economic activities among other topics. Her studies in international governance and economic policies provided her with a deep understanding of global processes and economic reforms.

 

At the organization WithUkraine, Roksolana worked on communication strategies aimed at raising international awareness of the situation in Ukraine. She also completed an internship at the Mission of Ukraine to the EU in Brussels, where she was involved in strategic negotiations on European integration, including integration into European markets, and digital and environmental policies. She also conducted analytical work on key aspects of Ukraine’s foreign policy, collaborating with European partners to strengthen Ukraine–EU relations.

 

Currently, within the Young Security Conference fellowship, Roksolana conducts research on EU enlargement and European security. She is also a participant in the Next Visionaries program, which supports European integration and post-war reconstruction in Ukraine.

 

Professional Goal:Roksolana aims to help create conditions in Ukraine for sustainable economic development, social justice, European integration, attracting investments, and fostering innovation.

Roman Shemakov
Roman Shemakov
Infrastructure Development Specialist, Financial Analyst

International Experience: Roman earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and history of international organizations in the USA and a master’s degree in law in China. Over the past five years, he has worked on infrastructure and technology development projects in the USA, Taiwan, Singapore, and China. He has experience in both the private and public sectors.

 

In Taiwan, Roman worked at an urban infrastructure company, where his responsibilities included private equity structuring, land acquisition, and rezoning for a greenfield smart city development in the USA alongside the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.

 

While studying at Peking University, he consulted for the Asian Development Bank on healthcare and education infrastructure development in Central, West, and East Asia. Together with his team, he developed a $2 million technical assistance project aimed at reforming education of emerging technologies in Central Asian universities.

 

In 2023, he joined the Digital Infrastructure and Technology Strategy department at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. At AIIBhe oversaw the digital infrastructure investment initiative with the G20 and the International Telecomunication Union, launched an international technology procurement platform (InfraTech Portal), and supported $190 million dollars of debt and equity transactions.

 

He has written widely on topics of infrastructure development and governance reform, including for the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Chamber of Commerce, Springer, the Columbia Journal of History, and others. He is the author of “Notes on Hydraulic and Digital Infrastructure” (Palgraves Macmillan, 2024) and “Digital Transformation of Property in Greater China.” (World Scientific Publishing, 2021).

 

Professional Goal:

 

Roman’s work within the Ministry of the Economy will focus on infrastructure development and International Financial Institutions. He will support the reforms of Ukraine’s Public Investment Management Framework to streamline infrastructure investment processes by coordinating domestic and international resources.

Stanislava Kruhlian
Stanislava Kruhlian
International Relations Specialist

International Experience: Stanislava earned a master’s degree in international relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

 

She is involved in the activities of the NGO Brave Generation, which prepares young Ukrainians for the post-war reconstruction of the country.

 

Stanislava completed an internship at the Department of State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. At the ministry, she was responsible for communications with embassies and state bodies, participated in organizing high-level visit programs, and provided protocol support for delegations from Canada, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.

 

Professional Goal:

Stanislava plans to work on programs aimed at increasing the role of women in Ukraine’s economy and addressing gender pay inequality. She also wants to participate in projects focused on removing trade barriers through the implementation of European standards.

Tetiana Haidym
Tetiana Haidym
Project Manager, Management consultant in the financial services industry

International Experience: Tetiana has gained international experience in management consulting over the last three years, working at global consulting firms Deloitte and Synpulse in Slovakia.

 

In Deloitte’s consulting department, Tetiana worked on projects focused on digital transformation and business strategy development for banks.

 

Before joining the Create Ukraine program, Tetiana managed large-scale transformation projects focused on process reorganization and automation for insurance companies at the consulting firm Synpulse.

 

She earned her master’s degree with honors in International Finance from the Bratislava University of Economics in Slovakia.

 

Professional Goal:

Tetiana aims to contribute to the development and implementation of employment programs to increase economic activity among people with disabilities, veterans, and female veterans. She is equally committed to engaging the public in economic processes and leading projects that enhance Ukraine’s investment appeal to foreign companies.

Yuliia Mishchuk
Yuliia Mishchuk
Strategic Communications Specialist, Business Development Manager

International Experience: Yuliia earned her higher education at the IULM University of Languages and Communication in Milan. Her master’s thesis in the “Strategic Communications” program was dedicated to the unique phenomenon of fundraising in Ukraine during the war.

 

Yuliia also has volunteer experience abroad. In the international youth organization AIESEC, she coordinated socialization events for the elderly. After the full-scale invasion began, she volunteered at the Consulate General of Ukraine in Milan, helping compatriots find refuge in emigration. In April 2022, at her initiative and in collaboration with IULM University, a conference was organized to discuss the issue of the full-scale war and introduce the history of Ukraine.

 

Professional Goal:

Yuliia aims to study the processes of working with EU grants and attract investments for critical projects that will contribute to Ukraine’s development.

Yuliya Paska
Yuliya Paska
GR Manager, International Law Specialist

International Experience: Yuliya gained professional experience abroad through an internship in the Parliament of Canada and studies at the University of Padua in Italy.

 

As an assistant to a Canadian MP, she worked on a bill related to food security, participated in the analysis of legislation on the protection of the rights of people with disabilities, prepared speeches, statements, petitions, and briefings, and was responsible for communication with constituents.

 

Through the CUPP program, Yuliya covered Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. In her volunteer work, she contributed to the media project “War Bulletins” for the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada.

 

Yuliya holds a master’s degree in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance from the University of Padua. During her studies, she participated in the Krylati project as a mentor for Ukrainian teenagers who were forced to leave their homeland due to the war. Additionally, she launched a course on Ukrainian history and culture under the auspices of Open Society Foundations at the University of Padova.

 

Professional Goal:

Through her participation in the project, Yuliya aims to develop her skills in government relations management, explore wartime decentralization and Ukraine`s accession to the EU.

Anastasiia Bilanenko
Anastasiia Bilanenko
Auditor, Financial Analyst, and Senior Finance Manager

International Experience: Anastasiia is an expert in the financial field with 10 years of work experience in Australia and the United Kingdom. Holds Masters degree in Economics and is ACCA, UK member.

 

As a Manager at EY Sydney, she led audit teams, participated in financial fraud investigations and advised government agencies on conflict of interest management. She also worked for global companies (Brookfield, Blackstone) where she was involved in financial modeling, planning and analysis, developing controls and business processes, and supporting business transformation during IPO and mergers.

 

In the United Kingdom, Anastasiia held management positions in the finance departments of Hydrafacial and Estée Lauder, where she was responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, and cost management.

 

Professional Goal:

Anastasiia aims to apply her international experience in corporate governance and budgeting to the anti-corruption field and contribute to ensuring transparency in the activities of public institutions and economic agents.

Iryna Volokha
Iryna Volokha
Communications Specialist, Publisher

International Experience: Iryna began her international career at Greenshore International, a boutique consulting firm, where she provided strategic recommendations to European clients. She then contributed to the development of an online legal dictionary for the Ukrainian legal community at the Zentrum des Deutschen Rechts. At the Canadian company Oslos, Iryna led the operations, marketing, and external communications department, driving brand promotion through social media strategies.

 

Iryna is also the founder of Eduwest, a Ukrainian-Canadian company that offered tutoring services and comprehensive turn-key publishing solutions for international authors.

 

Since 2022, Iryna has been working with various Canadian companies, refining her expertise in UX design and content strategy.

 

Professional Goal:

Leveraging her experience in UX design and operational management, Iryna aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of public service delivery. She is dedicated to initiatives that foster stronger collaboration between government entities and the public.

Oksana Havryliv
Oksana Havryliv
International Relations Specialist, Business Manager

International Experience: Oksana has a diverse international professional background in public administration, business, and international relations.

 

In her role as Assistant to the Vice Consul at the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria, she was responsible for citizen services and preparing legal documents. At the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany, she worked as an assistant in the economic affairs department, participating in organizing high-level visits and meetings and analyzing the economic aspects of Ukraine-Germany cooperation.

 

This year, Oksana completed an internship in the office of a Member of the European Parliament. Her responsibilities included issues related to mobilizing resources for international aid to Ukraine, digital transformation, energy independence, critical raw materials, and the implementation of the European Green Deal, including Ukraine’s role in this process, particularly its potential in energy transformation and sustainable development.

 

Before joining the Create Ukraine project, Oksana worked as an assistant to the head of the Austrian construction company Seal Bau GmbH, where she was responsible for preparing contracts, managing document flow, coordinating projects, and liaising with authorities and partners.

 

Professional Goal:

Oksana plans to leverage her experience working with international organizations to implement programs aimed at attracting foreign investments to Ukraine, thereby fostering economic development and strengthening the position of Ukrainian businesses. She seeks to create the economic conditions necessary for the return of Ukrainian citizens to their homeland and to enhance international cooperation through joint projects that will support Ukraine’s integration into the global economy and political landscape, as well as advance the country’s Euro-Atlantic course.

Olena Dziubko
Olena Dziubko
Project Manager, International Relations Specialist

International Experience: Olena gained a unique international experience of studying in six countries. Over the past few years, she has deepened her expertise in international political economy and development economics.

 

She has a background in working with non-governmental organisations in Finland and Slovakia.

 

She worked as a project manager at the Finnish organization Daisy Ladies, which focuses on helping immigrant women adapt. Together with her team, Olena organized cultural exchange events, presentations, exhibitions, and financial literacy training for women.

 

In Slovakia, as part of her work with the International Visegrad Fund, she was involved in managing and analyzing regional development projects in Central Europe and the Western Balkans. Throughout her experience, Olena has cooperated with more than twenty international donor organisations and embassies of the EU countries and the US.

 

In addition, Olena participated in several Erasmus study and volunteer projects abroad.

 

Professional Goal:

Olena aims to integrate her knowledge and skills into government programs that promote economic development and help build resilience in Ukraine.

Roksolana Smerechynska
Roksolana Smerechynska
International Governance Specialist

International Experience: Roksolana’s international experience spans the fields of international relations, EU policies, political analysis, and strategic communications.

 

She completed her master’s degree at Sciences Po, where she studied the impact of European integration on national economies and the participation of women in entrepreneurship and economic activities among other topics. Her studies in international governance and economic policies provided her with a deep understanding of global processes and economic reforms.

 

At the organization WithUkraine, Roksolana worked on communication strategies aimed at raising international awareness of the situation in Ukraine. She also completed an internship at the Mission of Ukraine to the EU in Brussels, where she was involved in strategic negotiations on European integration, including integration into European markets, and digital and environmental policies. She also conducted analytical work on key aspects of Ukraine’s foreign policy, collaborating with European partners to strengthen Ukraine–EU relations.

 

Currently, within the Young Security Conference fellowship, Roksolana conducts research on EU enlargement and European security. She is also a participant in the Next Visionaries program, which supports European integration and post-war reconstruction in Ukraine.

 

Professional Goal:Roksolana aims to help create conditions in Ukraine for sustainable economic development, social justice, European integration, attracting investments, and fostering innovation.

Roman Shemakov
Roman Shemakov
Infrastructure Development Specialist, Financial Analyst

International Experience: Roman earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and history of international organizations in the USA and a master’s degree in law in China. Over the past five years, he has worked on infrastructure and technology development projects in the USA, Taiwan, Singapore, and China. He has experience in both the private and public sectors.

 

In Taiwan, Roman worked at an urban infrastructure company, where his responsibilities included private equity structuring, land acquisition, and rezoning for a greenfield smart city development in the USA alongside the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.

 

While studying at Peking University, he consulted for the Asian Development Bank on healthcare and education infrastructure development in Central, West, and East Asia. Together with his team, he developed a $2 million technical assistance project aimed at reforming education of emerging technologies in Central Asian universities.

 

In 2023, he joined the Digital Infrastructure and Technology Strategy department at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. At AIIBhe oversaw the digital infrastructure investment initiative with the G20 and the International Telecomunication Union, launched an international technology procurement platform (InfraTech Portal), and supported $190 million dollars of debt and equity transactions.

 

He has written widely on topics of infrastructure development and governance reform, including for the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Chamber of Commerce, Springer, the Columbia Journal of History, and others. He is the author of “Notes on Hydraulic and Digital Infrastructure” (Palgraves Macmillan, 2024) and “Digital Transformation of Property in Greater China.” (World Scientific Publishing, 2021).

 

Professional Goal:

 

Roman’s work within the Ministry of the Economy will focus on infrastructure development and International Financial Institutions. He will support the reforms of Ukraine’s Public Investment Management Framework to streamline infrastructure investment processes by coordinating domestic and international resources.

Stanislava Kruhlian
Stanislava Kruhlian
International Relations Specialist

International Experience: Stanislava earned a master’s degree in international relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

 

She is involved in the activities of the NGO Brave Generation, which prepares young Ukrainians for the post-war reconstruction of the country.

 

Stanislava completed an internship at the Department of State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. At the ministry, she was responsible for communications with embassies and state bodies, participated in organizing high-level visit programs, and provided protocol support for delegations from Canada, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.

 

Professional Goal:

Stanislava plans to work on programs aimed at increasing the role of women in Ukraine’s economy and addressing gender pay inequality. She also wants to participate in projects focused on removing trade barriers through the implementation of European standards.

Tetiana Haidym
Tetiana Haidym
Project Manager, Management consultant in the financial services industry

International Experience: Tetiana has gained international experience in management consulting over the last three years, working at global consulting firms Deloitte and Synpulse in Slovakia.

 

In Deloitte’s consulting department, Tetiana worked on projects focused on digital transformation and business strategy development for banks.

 

Before joining the Create Ukraine program, Tetiana managed large-scale transformation projects focused on process reorganization and automation for insurance companies at the consulting firm Synpulse.

 

She earned her master’s degree with honors in International Finance from the Bratislava University of Economics in Slovakia.

 

Professional Goal:

Tetiana aims to contribute to the development and implementation of employment programs to increase economic activity among people with disabilities, veterans, and female veterans. She is equally committed to engaging the public in economic processes and leading projects that enhance Ukraine’s investment appeal to foreign companies.

Yuliia Mishchuk
Yuliia Mishchuk
Strategic Communications Specialist, Business Development Manager

International Experience: Yuliia earned her higher education at the IULM University of Languages and Communication in Milan. Her master’s thesis in the “Strategic Communications” program was dedicated to the unique phenomenon of fundraising in Ukraine during the war.

 

Yuliia also has volunteer experience abroad. In the international youth organization AIESEC, she coordinated socialization events for the elderly. After the full-scale invasion began, she volunteered at the Consulate General of Ukraine in Milan, helping compatriots find refuge in emigration. In April 2022, at her initiative and in collaboration with IULM University, a conference was organized to discuss the issue of the full-scale war and introduce the history of Ukraine.

 

Professional Goal:

Yuliia aims to study the processes of working with EU grants and attract investments for critical projects that will contribute to Ukraine’s development.

Yuliya Paska
Yuliya Paska
GR Manager, International Law Specialist

International Experience: Yuliya gained professional experience abroad through an internship in the Parliament of Canada and studies at the University of Padua in Italy.

 

As an assistant to a Canadian MP, she worked on a bill related to food security, participated in the analysis of legislation on the protection of the rights of people with disabilities, prepared speeches, statements, petitions, and briefings, and was responsible for communication with constituents.

 

Through the CUPP program, Yuliya covered Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. In her volunteer work, she contributed to the media project “War Bulletins” for the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada.

 

Yuliya holds a master’s degree in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance from the University of Padua. During her studies, she participated in the Krylati project as a mentor for Ukrainian teenagers who were forced to leave their homeland due to the war. Additionally, she launched a course on Ukrainian history and culture under the auspices of Open Society Foundations at the University of Padova.

 

Professional Goal:

Through her participation in the project, Yuliya aims to develop her skills in government relations management, explore wartime decentralization and Ukraine`s accession to the EU.

Anastasiia Bilanenko
Anastasiia Bilanenko
Auditor, Financial Analyst, and Senior Finance Manager

International Experience: Anastasiia is an expert in the financial field with 10 years of work experience in Australia and the United Kingdom. Holds Masters degree in Economics and is ACCA, UK member.

 

As a Manager at EY Sydney, she led audit teams, participated in financial fraud investigations and advised government agencies on conflict of interest management. She also worked for global companies (Brookfield, Blackstone) where she was involved in financial modeling, planning and analysis, developing controls and business processes, and supporting business transformation during IPO and mergers.

 

In the United Kingdom, Anastasiia held management positions in the finance departments of Hydrafacial and Estée Lauder, where she was responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, and cost management.

 

Professional Goal:

Anastasiia aims to apply her international experience in corporate governance and budgeting to the anti-corruption field and contribute to ensuring transparency in the activities of public institutions and economic agents.

Iryna Volokha
Iryna Volokha
Communications Specialist, Publisher

International Experience: Iryna began her international career at Greenshore International, a boutique consulting firm, where she provided strategic recommendations to European clients. She then contributed to the development of an online legal dictionary for the Ukrainian legal community at the Zentrum des Deutschen Rechts. At the Canadian company Oslos, Iryna led the operations, marketing, and external communications department, driving brand promotion through social media strategies.

 

Iryna is also the founder of Eduwest, a Ukrainian-Canadian company that offered tutoring services and comprehensive turn-key publishing solutions for international authors.

 

Since 2022, Iryna has been working with various Canadian companies, refining her expertise in UX design and content strategy.

 

Professional Goal:

Leveraging her experience in UX design and operational management, Iryna aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of public service delivery. She is dedicated to initiatives that foster stronger collaboration between government entities and the public.

Oksana Havryliv
Oksana Havryliv
International Relations Specialist, Business Manager

International Experience: Oksana has a diverse international professional background in public administration, business, and international relations.

 

In her role as Assistant to the Vice Consul at the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria, she was responsible for citizen services and preparing legal documents. At the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany, she worked as an assistant in the economic affairs department, participating in organizing high-level visits and meetings and analyzing the economic aspects of Ukraine-Germany cooperation.

 

This year, Oksana completed an internship in the office of a Member of the European Parliament. Her responsibilities included issues related to mobilizing resources for international aid to Ukraine, digital transformation, energy independence, critical raw materials, and the implementation of the European Green Deal, including Ukraine’s role in this process, particularly its potential in energy transformation and sustainable development.

 

Before joining the Create Ukraine project, Oksana worked as an assistant to the head of the Austrian construction company Seal Bau GmbH, where she was responsible for preparing contracts, managing document flow, coordinating projects, and liaising with authorities and partners.

 

Professional Goal:

Oksana plans to leverage her experience working with international organizations to implement programs aimed at attracting foreign investments to Ukraine, thereby fostering economic development and strengthening the position of Ukrainian businesses. She seeks to create the economic conditions necessary for the return of Ukrainian citizens to their homeland and to enhance international cooperation through joint projects that will support Ukraine’s integration into the global economy and political landscape, as well as advance the country’s Euro-Atlantic course.

Olena Dziubko
Olena Dziubko
Project Manager, International Relations Specialist

International Experience: Olena gained a unique international experience of studying in six countries. Over the past few years, she has deepened her expertise in international political economy and development economics.

 

She has a background in working with non-governmental organisations in Finland and Slovakia.

 

She worked as a project manager at the Finnish organization Daisy Ladies, which focuses on helping immigrant women adapt. Together with her team, Olena organized cultural exchange events, presentations, exhibitions, and financial literacy training for women.

 

In Slovakia, as part of her work with the International Visegrad Fund, she was involved in managing and analyzing regional development projects in Central Europe and the Western Balkans. Throughout her experience, Olena has cooperated with more than twenty international donor organisations and embassies of the EU countries and the US.

 

In addition, Olena participated in several Erasmus study and volunteer projects abroad.

 

Professional Goal:

Olena aims to integrate her knowledge and skills into government programs that promote economic development and help build resilience in Ukraine.

Roksolana Smerechynska
Roksolana Smerechynska
International Governance Specialist

International Experience: Roksolana’s international experience spans the fields of international relations, EU policies, political analysis, and strategic communications.

 

She completed her master’s degree at Sciences Po, where she studied the impact of European integration on national economies and the participation of women in entrepreneurship and economic activities among other topics. Her studies in international governance and economic policies provided her with a deep understanding of global processes and economic reforms.

 

At the organization WithUkraine, Roksolana worked on communication strategies aimed at raising international awareness of the situation in Ukraine. She also completed an internship at the Mission of Ukraine to the EU in Brussels, where she was involved in strategic negotiations on European integration, including integration into European markets, and digital and environmental policies. She also conducted analytical work on key aspects of Ukraine’s foreign policy, collaborating with European partners to strengthen Ukraine–EU relations.

 

Currently, within the Young Security Conference fellowship, Roksolana conducts research on EU enlargement and European security. She is also a participant in the Next Visionaries program, which supports European integration and post-war reconstruction in Ukraine.

 

Professional Goal:Roksolana aims to help create conditions in Ukraine for sustainable economic development, social justice, European integration, attracting investments, and fostering innovation.

Roman Shemakov
Roman Shemakov
Infrastructure Development Specialist, Financial Analyst

International Experience: Roman earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and history of international organizations in the USA and a master’s degree in law in China. Over the past five years, he has worked on infrastructure and technology development projects in the USA, Taiwan, Singapore, and China. He has experience in both the private and public sectors.

 

In Taiwan, Roman worked at an urban infrastructure company, where his responsibilities included private equity structuring, land acquisition, and rezoning for a greenfield smart city development in the USA alongside the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.

 

While studying at Peking University, he consulted for the Asian Development Bank on healthcare and education infrastructure development in Central, West, and East Asia. Together with his team, he developed a $2 million technical assistance project aimed at reforming education of emerging technologies in Central Asian universities.

 

In 2023, he joined the Digital Infrastructure and Technology Strategy department at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. At AIIBhe oversaw the digital infrastructure investment initiative with the G20 and the International Telecomunication Union, launched an international technology procurement platform (InfraTech Portal), and supported $190 million dollars of debt and equity transactions.

 

He has written widely on topics of infrastructure development and governance reform, including for the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Chamber of Commerce, Springer, the Columbia Journal of History, and others. He is the author of “Notes on Hydraulic and Digital Infrastructure” (Palgraves Macmillan, 2024) and “Digital Transformation of Property in Greater China.” (World Scientific Publishing, 2021).

 

Professional Goal:

 

Roman’s work within the Ministry of the Economy will focus on infrastructure development and International Financial Institutions. He will support the reforms of Ukraine’s Public Investment Management Framework to streamline infrastructure investment processes by coordinating domestic and international resources.

Stanislava Kruhlian
Stanislava Kruhlian
International Relations Specialist

International Experience: Stanislava earned a master’s degree in international relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

 

She is involved in the activities of the NGO Brave Generation, which prepares young Ukrainians for the post-war reconstruction of the country.

 

Stanislava completed an internship at the Department of State Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. At the ministry, she was responsible for communications with embassies and state bodies, participated in organizing high-level visit programs, and provided protocol support for delegations from Canada, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.

 

Professional Goal:

Stanislava plans to work on programs aimed at increasing the role of women in Ukraine’s economy and addressing gender pay inequality. She also wants to participate in projects focused on removing trade barriers through the implementation of European standards.

Tetiana Haidym
Tetiana Haidym
Project Manager, Management consultant in the financial services industry

International Experience: Tetiana has gained international experience in management consulting over the last three years, working at global consulting firms Deloitte and Synpulse in Slovakia.

 

In Deloitte’s consulting department, Tetiana worked on projects focused on digital transformation and business strategy development for banks.

 

Before joining the Create Ukraine program, Tetiana managed large-scale transformation projects focused on process reorganization and automation for insurance companies at the consulting firm Synpulse.

 

She earned her master’s degree with honors in International Finance from the Bratislava University of Economics in Slovakia.

 

Professional Goal:

Tetiana aims to contribute to the development and implementation of employment programs to increase economic activity among people with disabilities, veterans, and female veterans. She is equally committed to engaging the public in economic processes and leading projects that enhance Ukraine’s investment appeal to foreign companies.

Yuliia Mishchuk
Yuliia Mishchuk
Strategic Communications Specialist, Business Development Manager

International Experience: Yuliia earned her higher education at the IULM University of Languages and Communication in Milan. Her master’s thesis in the “Strategic Communications” program was dedicated to the unique phenomenon of fundraising in Ukraine during the war.

 

Yuliia also has volunteer experience abroad. In the international youth organization AIESEC, she coordinated socialization events for the elderly. After the full-scale invasion began, she volunteered at the Consulate General of Ukraine in Milan, helping compatriots find refuge in emigration. In April 2022, at her initiative and in collaboration with IULM University, a conference was organized to discuss the issue of the full-scale war and introduce the history of Ukraine.

 

Professional Goal:

Yuliia aims to study the processes of working with EU grants and attract investments for critical projects that will contribute to Ukraine’s development.

Yuliya Paska
Yuliya Paska
GR Manager, International Law Specialist

International Experience: Yuliya gained professional experience abroad through an internship in the Parliament of Canada and studies at the University of Padua in Italy.

 

As an assistant to a Canadian MP, she worked on a bill related to food security, participated in the analysis of legislation on the protection of the rights of people with disabilities, prepared speeches, statements, petitions, and briefings, and was responsible for communication with constituents.

 

Through the CUPP program, Yuliya covered Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. In her volunteer work, she contributed to the media project “War Bulletins” for the Embassy of Ukraine in Canada.

 

Yuliya holds a master’s degree in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance from the University of Padua. During her studies, she participated in the Krylati project as a mentor for Ukrainian teenagers who were forced to leave their homeland due to the war. Additionally, she launched a course on Ukrainian history and culture under the auspices of Open Society Foundations at the University of Padova.

 

Professional Goal:

Through her participation in the project, Yuliya aims to develop her skills in government relations management, explore wartime decentralization and Ukraine`s accession to the EU.

News

Currently, according to various estimates, up to 7 million forced migrants from Ukraine are living in different countries around the world. The key message I want to share with Ukrainians abroad is this: Ukraine is waiting for you, and you are needed here. Your experience and skills gained abroad are valuable for our future. That is why we encourage you to apply for the Create Ukraine program. Join the government team and use your expertise to help build our country’s capacity. Your work will impact the lives of millions of Ukrainians during the most challenging time in our history.

Currently, according to various estimates, up to 7 million forced migrants from Ukraine are living in different countries around the world. The key message I want to share with Ukrainians abroad is this: Ukraine is waiting for you, and you are needed here. Your experience and skills gained abroad are valuable for our future. That is why we encourage you to apply for the Create Ukraine program. Join the government team and use your expertise to help build our country’s capacity. Your work will impact the lives of millions of Ukrainians during the most challenging time in our history.

Ukraine needs its brightest minds now more than ever. This program provides a structured pathway for young professionals abroad to return, lead, serve, and shape a future in Europe. Lithuania is honored to stand beside them – not just as a donor, but as a partner in transformation.

Ukraine needs its brightest minds now more than ever. This program provides a structured pathway for young professionals abroad to return, lead, serve, and shape a future in Europe. Lithuania is honored to stand beside them – not just as a donor, but as a partner in transformation.

Ukraine's European future is being shaped today through the daily hard work of a generation of young leaders. That is why we have to make public service a space where young professionals can unleash their potential, bring ambitious ideas to life, work for results, and change the country. Create Ukraine is a chance to get young people involved in one of the key strategic goals: Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Ukraine's European future is being shaped today through the daily hard work of a generation of young leaders. That is why we have to make public service a space where young professionals can unleash their potential, bring ambitious ideas to life, work for results, and change the country. Create Ukraine is a chance to get young people involved in one of the key strategic goals: Ukraine's accession to the EU.

It is important to us that talented, educated Ukrainians with valuable experience studying and working abroad return to Ukraine — to shape cultural policy and bring new energy to our institutions. We aim to integrate such professionals into public service and cultural development because we understand: you can restore museums, open creative hubs, preserve and reinterpret cultural heritage, and promote Ukrainian art globally — but none of it will thrive without people. Without passionate, committed individuals ready to invest their knowledge, creativity, and heart into the cultural future of Ukraine.

It is important to us that talented, educated Ukrainians with valuable experience studying and working abroad return to Ukraine — to shape cultural policy and bring new energy to our institutions. We aim to integrate such professionals into public service and cultural development because we understand: you can restore museums, open creative hubs, preserve and reinterpret cultural heritage, and promote Ukrainian art globally — but none of it will thrive without people. Without passionate, committed individuals ready to invest their knowledge, creativity, and heart into the cultural future of Ukraine.

The preservation and development of human capital is the foundation of KSE Foundation’s work. For many years, we have recognized and supported the growth of talented Ukrainians through our initiatives. We are therefore deeply confident in the strength and intelligence of our youth. Your knowledge is vital for the country’s development, and Create Ukraine creates the conditions to directly apply it in state reforms. This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact on transformation amid the challenges of war.

The preservation and development of human capital is the foundation of KSE Foundation’s work. For many years, we have recognized and supported the growth of talented Ukrainians through our initiatives. We are therefore deeply confident in the strength and intelligence of our youth. Your knowledge is vital for the country’s development, and Create Ukraine creates the conditions to directly apply it in state reforms. This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact on transformation amid the challenges of war.

Ukraine’s recovery will be built not only with bricks and machines, but with people – skilled, visionary, and committed to democratic values. This programme is Lithuania’s investment in the very engine of Ukraine’s reform: human capacity.

Ukraine’s recovery will be built not only with bricks and machines, but with people – skilled, visionary, and committed to democratic values. This programme is Lithuania’s investment in the very engine of Ukraine’s reform: human capacity.