In times of war, there is no time to wait for things to resolve themselves — strategic planning and risk management are essential. Thanks to the Create Ukraine programme, I can contribute to the rebuilding and development of Ukraine, participating in key reforms and European integration processes. Periodic feelings of being “a stranger among my own” abroad, along with limited opportunities to influence state processes outside Ukraine, became a catalyst for my return — to strengthen state institutions from within and help bring Ukraine closer to victory.
Oksana Baitala, specialist in European Integration, Law, and Public Policy
“I returned to Ukraine because change requires people who are ready to be part of it. For me, it is important to be at home, among people who share the same values and vision for the country’s future. Being here gives me the opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience to Ukraine’s green reconstruction.”
Yana Kostiuk, specialist in Climate Policy and Sustainable Development
Last year, I reflected on my life and career priorities. After seven years living in EU countries, I understood what a democratic society looks like and always wanted to see this culture in Ukraine. When our democracy came under threat four years ago due to the full-scale invasion, living far from home was difficult, but feeling powerless was even harder. This prompted me to leave my European life and move to Kyiv. I realized that, although I cannot stop the war, I can bring my knowledge and experience back home.
Yuliia Chorna, climate Policy and Energy Transition Specialist
“I decided to return to Ukraine and join the Create Ukraine programme because it is important for me to apply my international experience and knowledge to support the country’s development right now. After years of studying and working abroad, I feel a strong desire to contribute to change in Ukraine and work on initiatives that can have a real impact. I am also motivated by the opportunity to be at the very heart of events, as Ukraine is currently at the center of international attention, and its processes affect the security, development, and future of Europe. Being here means not only observing these changes but actively participating in them.”
Iana Kostenko, specialist in European Integration and Migration Policy
The longer I lived abroad, the more clearly I understood that the war didn’t just become a part of my life — it shaped me. Attempts to “switch off” this state, these war-conditioned neurons — faster, sharper, honed for constant crisis — are, in essence, attempts to go against myself. And perhaps that is exactly why we were given our youth — not for stability, but for risk: to learn to live and act where no conditions exist for it, and over time to realize that these years were not about chaos, but about building a foundation.
Darka Harnyk, international and Climate Policy & Energy Security Specialist
“I always knew I would return to Ukraine — it was only a matter of time, which I spent on studying, working, and traveling to different countries around the world. Working in an international environment and interacting with people from diverse cultures and professional fields allowed me to gain valuable experience in communication and intercultural understanding. Create Ukraine became the decisive factor for my return. I want to channel the skills and experience I gained in various countries into supporting Ukraine’s European integration.”
Samarska Daria, specialist in International Communications and Security Policy
For me, Create Ukraine is a wonderful opportunity to be part of something big and important and to see the state and its work through its own eyes. Political work and the cultural sector have always been close to me, and here I had the chance to work on key issues in the field of cultural heritage — including the fund and evacuation efforts. How could I possibly pass this by? Moreover, few places offer such a level of responsibility and engagement from the very first day, as Create Ukraine does, and this was also an important factor in my decision to participate.
Serafym Kolodchuk, political Coordinator, Project Manager
“During my work in Vienna and Brussels, I gained a deep understanding of how European institutions operate. When the opportunity arose to apply this knowledge to adapting Ukrainian legislation to the EU acquis, I realized I could make the greatest impact here — from “within” the system. That is why I joined the strategic communications team at the Government Office for European Integration Coordination, where I combine the technical priorities of reforms with public narratives. My goal is to make Ukraine’s EU integration process transparent and understandable both for Ukrainians and for our Western partners”.
Todoruk Anastasiia, specialist in European Policy and International Advocacy
The #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.
