Within the Create Ukraine programme, implemented by KSE Foundation with the support of the Central Project Management Agency and funded by Lithuania, 25 Ukrainian professionals with international experience have returned from abroad to contribute to government projects and reforms.
“Create Ukraine is a chance not just to observe change, but to be among those who create it,” says Sofiia Makohin, an international economics and public policy specialist and a participant of the #CreateUkraine programme. Her studies in Paris and Berlin always had one goal: to bring the knowledge she gained back home.
Sofiia holds a double master’s degree in international economics and management from leading European universities and has professional experience in international organizations, including the World Health Organization.
Today, she is one of 25 young professionals who have returned to Ukraine as part of the Create Ukraine programme. The programme, based on the successful Lithuanian initiative Create Lithuania, was launched by the governments of Lithuania and Ukraine two years ago. In 2026, KSE Foundation, together with its partners, scaled up the initiative. This has enabled even more young Ukrainians to access a real pathway for returning home and applying their experience to EU integration reforms and national projects.
Each participant had career prospects abroad but chose to return home and become part of the government team despite the challenges of war. Today, they work across five ministries and three government offices. In the carousel, we share more about their decision to come back home.
I returned because I see my success only in the success of Ukraine. I am a citizen of Ukraine, and this is the only place in the world where I can be fully myself. That is why my years of studying in Paris and Berlin always had one purpose: to bring that experience back home. Create Ukraine is an opportunity not just to observe change, but to be among those who create it.
Sofiia Makohin, Specialist in International Economics and Public Policy
“I returned to Ukraine after spending time in the United Kingdom because, over time, I realized that no matter how far away you are, home continues to live within you. For most of my career, I have worked in the public sector, particularly in education. I have always been inspired by working where decisions and ideas can impact people’s lives.So when I had the opportunity to join the Ministry of Education of Ukraine through the Create Ukraine programme, it felt like a natural continuation of my path. For me, it is a chance to contribute to the development of education that shapes the next generation of Ukrainians.”
Margaryta Paskalova, Education, Social Policy, and Business Management Specialist
There is both a place and a purpose to return to: Create Ukraine gave me the chance not only to come back to the home I missed, but also to work for Ukraine’s development and contribute to its future.
Shumkova Anastasiia, Food Safety and Occupational Health Specialist
“I decided to return to Ukraine because I truly wanted to. I wanted to walk the streets of my country again, wake up to the birds singing, talk with people about life, and do things that make them smile. From an early age, thanks to my mentors, I fought for justice and developed an interest in politics. That’s why, at this moment in Ukraine’s history, I chose to come back and contribute to the collective work — working in government, for the Ukrainian state and nation.”
Yevhen Burlaka, Specialist in Cultural Diplomacy
When I lived abroad, I felt as if my physical body was in Brussels, but my soul was always in Ukraine. It took me a long time to fully realize that I personally could not live like that. All along, I felt that Ukraine needed me far more than Brussels did, just as I needed Ukraine. It was only a matter of time.
Valeriia Zubatenko, Specialist in Cultural Policy and Human Rights
“I decided to return because I didn’t see myself fully assimilated in the Netherlands: the lack of sufficient social connections and career development pushed me to look for alternative paths for my future, and that’s how I came across the Create Ukraine program. Thanks to this program, I’m confident I can fully utilize my potential and expand my circle of friends and acquaintances.”
Andrii Maidanik, Logistics and Operations Management Specialist, Environmental Solutions Expert
I returned to Ukraine because I believe my knowledge and experience can truly make a difference here. I earned my second master’s degree in Germany and worked at the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, as well as in research institutions. I am eager to apply my experience to support Ukraine’s European integration and economic development.
Maryna Olinishevska, Specialist in Strategic Communications, Public Policy, and European Integration
“My main motivation for returning to Ukraine after 11 years abroad was the desire to be part of the incredible changes happening in our country and to come back home.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Ukraine. I always say: as much as Ukraine needs me, I need Ukraine even more — because I’m finally home.”
Olha Kleshko, Specialist in International Recruitment and Marketing
#CreateUkraine programme is funded by Lithuania through the Lithuanian Fund for the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid and is aimed at supporting the return and successful integration of Ukrainian youth currently living abroad into Ukraine’s public sector. The programme is implemented by the Lithuanian Central Project Management Agency in partnership with the KSE Foundation, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and in close cooperation with the Government of Ukraine.