We are not only Kharkiv

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

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

We are not only Kharkiv

We started as an initiative in Kharkiv. Today, Mission Kharkiv is an organization implementing nationwide support programs that save lives and drive systemic change.

2024
Scaling Our Impact
  • Save the Workers expanded nationwide
  • Over 5,000 infrastructure workers trained in emergency first aid
  • Launch of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) program for cancer patients
  • Expansion of the Inclusive Equipment initiative
  • Introduction of innovative treatments (e.g. Keytruda) within Ukraine Cancer Relief
  • A 3-year strategic vision established
2023
Toward Systemic Action
  • Expansion of the Ukraine Cancer Relief program
  • Creation of the Pharma Bunker for secure, cold-chain medication storage
  • Launch of the Save the Workers program
  • Start of distribution of inclusive equipment for people with disabilities
  • Integration of digital tools for logistics and real-time reporting
2022
Summer–Autumn
  • General Medicine: Supplying Kharkiv hospitals with essential medications and basic equipment.
  • Surviving the Winter project: 70 solid-fuel boilers delivered to families in de-occupied communities.
2022
March–April
  • Team formation: Volunteers, pharmacists, and medical professionals came together to respond to the growing healthcare crisis.
  • Launch of Ukraine Cancer Relief: An immediate response to the missile strike on the Kharkiv oncology center.
  • Start of structured medication distribution: Coordination of patient aid based on prescriptions and clinical treatment plans.

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.

Executive Team

People behind the mission. Experts behind every decision. Humans behind every response.

Mission Kharkiv is built on the strength, commitment, and expertise of its people. Our team brings together medical professionals, pharmacists, humanitarians, logisticians, and patient advocates — all working as one to protect health and deliver care in wartime Ukraine.

Ross Shkavron-Philippenko
Founder & Director

The driving force behind Mission Kharkiv, Rostislav leads with vision, resilience, and a systems-oriented approach to humanitarian response. He shapes strategy, oversees partnerships, and ensures integrity at every level of the organization.

Yuliya Nikishina
COO, Program Director

Oversees internal coordination, donor communication, and daily cross-team operations. Ensures efficient implementation of humanitarian projects and supports organizational growth.

Previously worked in the State Labor Service and Donetsk Commercial Court. Brings experience in public administration and legal advising into humanitarian leadership. Holds an M.Sc.in Management, Law, and Economics.

Emil Alibeyli
Emil Alibeili
Head of Development

Oversees strategic growth and program expansion. Shapes high-impact partnerships and supports the scaling of medical and infrastructure programs across Ukraine.

Over 7 years of experience in humanitarian roles, including positions as COO and CEO. Received a medical and legal education, Master of Public Administration in Healthcare.

Yuliia Shevchuk
Yuliia Shevchuk
Medical Director

Supervises all clinical protocols, liaises with healthcare institutions, and ensures ethical and evidence-based care across our oncology and mental health programs.

Received a pharmaceutical education.
Over 6 years of experience in the pharmaceutical area, over 2 years of experience in state medical procurement, including oncology and rare diseases.

Yelyzaveta Tsema
Human Resources, Program Manager

Supervises all clinical protocols, liaises with healthcare institutions, and ensures ethical and evidence-based care across our oncology and mental health programs.

Anna Kachan
Program Management Specialist

Oversees program design and implementation, ensuring strategic, high-impact delivery of humanitarian interventions. Brings over five years of experience in rehabilitation, health system strengthening, and emergency response, including managing programs with international organizations and coordinating stakeholder engagement with governments, donors, and civil society. Holds a medical degree and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health

Angela Hrytsiuk
Angela Hrytsiuk
Partnerships & Development Manager

Build bridges between Mission Kharkiv and a wide network of institutional partners, donors, and civil society actors. Advance sustainable development and innovation across all programs, work on long-term strategy, and fundraising

With a medical degree from Lviv National Medical University, I have over 3.5 years of experience in the humanitarian field, including roles as Head of Medical Humanitarian Warehouse and Head of Partnerships.

Bernadet Andialoshii
Bernadet Andialoshii
Grants Manager

Responsible for identifying, monitoring, and drafting all sections of grant applications. Conducts needs assessments of communities where projects will be implemented.

Coordinates funding submissions and reporting, liaises with donors, and ensures Mission Kharkiv remains compliant and competitive.

Alina Prykhodko
Alina Prykhodko
Communications Manager

Mission Kharkiv’s external voice – from media relations to digital storytelling. Responsible for shaping the organization’s public voice, oversees digital outreach, visibility, and brand integrity.

Holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and brings over a decade of experience in communications, public engagement, and advocacy. 

Svitlana Skybina
Svitlana Skybina
Lead Pharmacist (Kharkiv)

Manages medical inventory, quality control, and patient counseling within the Cancer Medication Support program. Ensures safe storage, regional distribution, and pharmaceutical compliance for oncology medications.

Graduated from the Kharkiv Pharmaceutical Institute. Has worked continuously in the field since then, with expertise as a compounding pharmacist, pharmaceutical analyst, and sales manager. Brings over 30 years of professional experience in pharmacy practice.

Victoria Shyshkina
Chief Accountant

Ensures financial transparency and reporting integrity. Oversees grant budgets and donor compliance.

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. M.Sc. in Accounting and Auditing

Kateryna Strohanova
Accountant and Reporting Officer

Supports financial operations and record-keeping Mission Kharkiv to ensure traceability and clarity in spending. Experienced in accounting, financial planning, and tender management in the Ambulance Service, with a focus on digitizing and optimizing reporting systems. M.Sc. in Management of Organizations.

Alla Kosenko
Patient Support Coordinators (Hotline)

Skilled administrator with experience in office operations and managing extensive databases to ensure smooth workflow and organization. Serve as the first point of contact for patients. Handle support requests, track follow-ups, and collect feedback from patients and caregivers.

Anna Fesenko
Anna Fesenko
Patient Support Coordinators (Hotline)

Experienced coordinator with a background in administrative support and data management, contributing to efficient daily operations.

Acts as a contact for incoming patient inquiries, processes support requests, maintains follow-up communication, and gathers insights from patients and their families to improve service delivery.

Sutyrin Vitalii
Trainer Coordinator, Base Manager

Oversees the cold-chain and emergency logistics system. Manages secure deliveries of cancer medications and coordinates our Pharma Bunker facility.Leads emergency first aid training under the Save the Workers initiative. Ensures standardization of trauma response education in high-risk settings.

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.

We are united by one purpose – to bring care where it's most needed, and to never stop until access to quality healthcare becomes a right, not a privilege, for every person in Ukraine

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