As part of the Create Ukraine program, implemented by KSE Foundation with the support of the Central Project Management Agency and co-financed by the EU, ten Ukrainian professionals with international experience have returned from abroad to contribute to government projects and reforms.
They have joined the team at the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, where they are working on economic reforms, strengthening international partnerships, and enhancing Ukraine’s global competitiveness.
These young professionals have experience working in leading companies across Europe and Asia. Despite the opportunity to continue building their careers abroad, they chose to apply their expertise in Ukraine, driving change from within. Their work spans strategic planning, economic policy development, and the implementation of modern management approaches in the public sector.
The Create Ukraine program is initiated by the EU, Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and co-funded EU4Youth Programme managed by Central Project Management Agency. “Create Ukraine” project is implemented by the KSE Foundation.
Learn more about the participants’ personal stories and their motivations below:
Roksolana Smerechynska
Expert in International Governance
“After completing my master’s degree in France, I faced a choice: stay abroad and work on strategically important projects for Ukraine or return home. I decided I would be more effective contributing to the country’s recovery and development from within.”
Focus areas: Human capital development, business resilience, donor partnerships and engagement
Roman Shemakov
Infrastructure Development Specialist, Financial Analyst
“Returning to Ukraine was a conscious and natural decision for me during this critical moment in our country’s history. Ukraine has a unique opportunity not just to recover, but to build better infrastructure, a stronger economy, and resilient institutions.”
Focus areas: Recovery, infrastructure development, investment attraction
Yuliya Paska
Expert in International Law
“After spending three years advancing my academic and professional career in Lithuania, Canada, and Italy, I realized I had done everything I could for Ukraine remotely. Coming back was a deliberate choice. In the end, migratory birds always return home—because that’s where they are meant to be.”
Focus areas: European integration, international law, government relations
Yuliia Mishchuk
Strategic Communications Expert, Business Manager
“I wanted to be part of shaping the future of our country, to take initiative and responsibility. A comfortable life in Italy was great, but when your country is fighting for its survival, you instinctively know where you need to be.”
Focus areas: Communication projects, partnerships, public and business sectors, donor relations
Stanislava Kruhlian
Expert in International Relations
“I always knew I would return. I want to make a personal contribution to my country’s future. I believe the future belongs to those who are ready to embrace change and take on challenges. So when I saw the announcement for Create Ukraine, I immediately knew it was a perfect match.”
Focus areas: Government communications, partnership projects, business dialogue, media relations