Our Volunteers

Kieran Robinson

Kieran works in local government in the West Midlands. He completed his master’s dissertation on Russian foreign policy in the Baltic states, Georgia, and Ukraine.

Why did Kieran become a volunteer?

“I decided to volunteer for the UIL during the pandemic, to help support their brilliant events programme. The UIL has did a great job maintaining the programme through three lockdowns and I wanted to offer my help where I could.”

Viktoriia Udaltsova

Viktoriia Udaltsova

Viktoriia is currently in her final year of the International Relations undergraduate degree at the University of York. She is particularly interested in studying international interventions and peacekeeping.

Why did Viktoriia become a volunteer?

“When I moved to the UK to start my degree with British and other international students, I felt that the war in Ukraine was the only thing well-known by most. As part of the Ukrainian Institute London, I want to advocate and encourage a deeper cultural and historical understanding of Ukraine both in popular culture and academic research. The Ukrainian Institute London is one of few organisations providing educational activities to English-speaking publics interested in knowing more about Ukraine. I am delighted to bring my skills to the team.”

Sofiia Melnyk

Sofiia has a background in strategic planning in local government, and has developed a keen interest in culture as a key factor of transformation within a society and a means to convey messages to the outer world. Born in Soviet Union, raised and educated in Ukraine, Sofiia’s career to date has been focussed on Ukraine’s development, maximising on the country’s rich resources, shaking off Soviet bureaucracy and rejuvenating Ukrainian institutions. Sofiia completed a master’s degree in public administration as a Fulbright scholar, completed multiple educational programmes in Ukraine and abroad and has gained a wide range of experience in working with international organisations that provide technical assistance to so-called developing countries.

Why did Sofiia become a volunteer?

Sofiia’s Odysseus quest and Ukraine’s dramatic history brought her to Ukrainian Institute London. With UIL, she willingly learns more about her own culture from a different perspective and very passionately explains the transformation that a regular Ukrainian citizen has been undergoing over the last 30 years.

Natalie Godec

Natalie is from Kharkiv, Ukraine but has lived in London since 2017. You will spot her with her camera at many events, sneaking around on the hunt for the photos that create memories. She’s a cloud engineer professionally, and a public speaker in the tech space.

Why did Natalie become a volunteer?

“I applied to volunteer for the UIL in summer 2022, wanted to be useful as a Ukrainian in London during the full scale invasion. I am a photographer, and have experience with events, so I thought I could help. And I discovered that I get so much more in return! The community, the events I get to attend while photographing, the incredible personalities that the Institute brings to showcase Ukraine and our culture. From meeting my favourite Ukrainian writer Irena Karpa, to crying my eyes out at the screening of Slovo House, to getting to immortalise the displaced Ukrainians learning English, it’s been an incredible experience. I hope many more people will get to experience what the UIL creates.”

Theo Hay

Theo was born in Columbus, Ohio but grew up in Cambridge, U.K. He is currently a student at University College London where he studies Ukrainian language and culture as part of his program in European Social and Political Studies.
Why did Theo become a volunteer?
“I started volunteering at the Ukrainian Institute London because I was fascinated with Ukraine and its devotion to freedom and democracy. Since the full-scale invasion the UIL has become an essential platform for Ukraine’s rich cultural history and for experts to share more objective insights into the war, where disinformation is rampant. The UIL will be an essential forum for the dialogue surrounding the future of Ukraine. I look forward to continuing to participate in the work of UIL.”

Alex Fynn

Alex
Why did Alex become a volunteer?
“In 2020/2021 I had the privilege of living in Kyiv and getting to know lots of Ukrainians, many of whom I am proud to call friends. I was shown such kindness and warmth during my time there and I decided to help out at UIL when I moved down to London. I started helping out at the events and later joined the English language school as a teacher. It has been wonderful becoming part of such a vibrant network of volunteers and activists. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone considering getting involved!”