We are Kharkiv

VISION:
Everyone in Ukraine has access to modern and effective medicine.

MISSION:
Every resident of Ukraine receives quality medical care and effective medications based on accurate statistical data.

Our Founding Story

In January 2022, Ross Skowronski, a Spanish national with Ukrainian roots, arrived in Ukraine. At the time, he was completing his Master’s degree in Mathematics, seeking a tranquil environment in the Ukrainian countryside to finalize his research. However, just one month later, his plans were irrevocably altered by the full-scale Russian invasion.

Trapped in the besieged city of Kharkiv, Ross quickly transitioned from academic pursuits to humanitarian action. As the only Spanish citizen remaining in the city, he became a critical voice for the Spanish-speaking world, sharing the dire realities of Kharkiv’s residents and advocating for aid. Within weeks, his calls for help resulted in over 70 tons of life-saving medications arriving in the city. He rallied a dedicated group of volunteers, including pharmacists, health workers, and emergency physicians, laying the foundation for what would become Mission Kharkiv.

Mission Kharkiv began on February 2022, driven by the need to address disorganized pharmaceutical supply chains. The organization started by cataloging and coordinating incoming medical aid, ensuring proper prescriptions and alignment with Ukrainian patients' treatment plans. Over time, its efforts expanded, assisting other NGOs and becoming a vital pharmaceutical hub in eastern Ukraine.

In April 2022, tragedy struck when the Kharkiv oncology hospital was bombarded, displacing many patients and leaving others stranded without access to essential medications. Mission Kharkiv responded with urgency, launching Ukraine Cancer Relief its first specialized program focused on oncology. The initiative provided chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other critical cancer treatments while facilitating the safe evacuation of patients to the EU.

Mission Kharkiv’s efforts extend beyond immediate crisis response. The organization focuses on building sustainable systems to improve healthcare delivery, from streamlining logistics and creating transparent supply chains to collaborating with local and international partners. What began as a local initiative in Kharkiv has now expanded nationwide, addressing healthcare challenges across Ukraine. By tackling both urgent and long-term needs, Mission Kharkiv ensures essential medical support remains accessible even under the most challenging circumstances.

Founder and Director

Ross Skowronski

M.Sc. in Mathematics and Applications from the Autonomous University of Madrid, where his research focused on symbolic-numerical algorithms in convex analysis.

As the founder of Mission Kharkiv, Ross is dedicated to building sustainable solutions for medication supply and healthcare systems in Ukraine. His work combines problem-solving with hands-on action, focusing on resilience and long-term support for communities in need. His expertise extends to program development, problem-solving, and sustainable healthcare solutions.

Fluent in Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, and English, Ross combines technical expertise with cross-cultural leadership to drive impactful solutions in crisis response.

Executive Team

Turning insights into action and ideas into results.

Yuliya Nikishina
COO, Program Director

M.Sc. in Economics, Law, and Management. Professional experience includes legal advising within the State Labor Service and judicial assistance in the Donetsk Commercial Court. Successfully transitioned to applying expertise in the humanitarian sector.

Artem Maksymchuk
Development and Partnerships Manager

M.Sc. in International Law with a specialization in Refugee Law. Worked within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and managed complex humanitarian programs, including large-scale evacuation coordination.

Yelyzaveta Tsema
Human Resources, Program Manager

 

Victoria Zozulya
Chief Accountant

M.Sc. in Accounting and Auditing. Experienced in tax inspections during her time in the State Tax Service and accounting for medical institutions. Shifted her focus to financial management in the non-profit sector.

Katerina Stroganova
Accountant and Reporting Officer

M.Sc. in Management of Organizations. Experienced in accounting, financial planning, and tender management in the Ambulance Service, with a focus on digitizing and optimizing reporting systems.

Alla Kosenko
Patient Support Coordinator

M.Sc. in Economics and Management. Skilled administrator with experience in office operations and managing extensive databases to ensure smooth workflow and organization.

Ihor Prokopiuk
Mental Health Project Coordinator

D.Art. in Music and diplomas in Positive and Gestalt Psychotherapy. Specializes in crisis intervention and psychotherapeutic support, helping patients build resilience and improve their quality of life.

Vitaliy Sutirin
Trainer Coordinator, Base Manager

Leads critical first aid training programs, coordinates trainers, and manages facilities. Ensures operational readiness through maintenance, procurement, and technical innovation.

Serhii Chumak
Warehouse Logistics Manager

 

Non-Executive Team

Their vision and commitment inspire change every day.

Francois Paillier
NED, Precision Medicine

M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, distinguished geneticist and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the field of genetic analysis and bioinformatics.

Charles McBryde
Lead Ambassador

B.A. in Religious Studies and History. His expertise lies in creating impactful communications strategies and navigating complex challenges to deliver effective solutions.

Ashling Aisulu Sugrue
Media and Outreach Coordinator

B.A. in Film & Television (UAL),  M.A. in Creative Writing (Oxford University). A social media strategist, content creator, and writer specializing in creative content.

Stepan Doktor
Technology Advisor

A process automation expert and project manager with a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and extensive experience in business process improvement and workflow optimization.

Lisa Marandi Dovbnya
Fundraising Coordinator for Spain

An experienced financial analyst with a background in tourism and hospitality, skilled in multilingual communication and project management. Holds a degree in English Philology.

Pavlo Miklashevych
Technology Advisor

M.Sc. in Computer Science. A senior frontend developer with over 10 years of experience specializing in web-based enterprise solutions and maintaining scalable web applications.