About I Oxford University Ukrainian Society

For nearly twenty years, the Oxford University Ukrainian Society has been serving as a hub for all members of the Oxford community who are interested in Ukraine and its rich cultural heritage. Our mission is to bring together Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians alike to celebrate and encourage the understanding of Ukraine, its people, politics, history, and culture within the University of Oxford and its wider community.
The Society was founded by Eleonora Suhoviy and Roman Zaviyskyy in the winter of 2004. Ever since, the Society has been organising events such as poetry readings, lectures, and Ukrainian-themed dinners for nearly two decades. The Society is a welcoming space which has been steadily growing, and now counts students and faculty amongst its members as well as local Oxonians among the friends of the Society.
Given there is currently no dedicated chair for Ukrainian Studies at the University, the Society has been serving as a crucial knowledge-base and a trusted point of contact on Ukrainian issues in Oxford. Over the years, it has hosted as prominent politicians, scholars, diplomats, and intellectuals working on Ukraine as its speakers.
In pursuit of its vision – reach, unite, educate – members of the Society initiate charitable initiatives, organise talks, lectures, and seminars, collaborate with its partners, host social events, and arrange educational excursions in the region.

Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022, the Society has extended its mission to supporting Ukraine by collecting donations for trusted charities and to supporting the Ukrainian refugees in Oxford by organising community events and representing their interests with the local government. To deliver a powerful message of hope, the Society has organised peace rallies, fundraising dinners and concerts, donation drives and auctions, a festival of Ukrainian culture and intellectual heritage, and hosted the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's live address to Oxford University students from Kyiv.

Our Society is a registered entity within the University of Oxford and is administered by a committee, which is elected annually. To find out more about our regulations, please consult our constitution.

Professor Lionel Tarassenko

Senior Member

CBE, FREng, FMedSci, Professor of Engineering SciencePresident of Reuben CollegeFounder of Ukrainian Graduate Scholarship Programme

Provides strategic guidance to the Society, offering expertise, mentorship, and high-level support to the committee. Advises on long-term direction, external engagement, and major initiatives, helping ensure the Society’s work is effective and well-grounded.

Danylo Gladkyi

President

MBBS MedicineJesus College

Oversees all Society operations, ensuring activities run smoothly and align with the constitution and purpose. Provides direction to the committee, delegates and coordinates key projects, chairs meetings, and supports members in their roles. Represents the Society within the University and to external organisations.

Olena Khailenko

Vice President

DPhil Experimental PsychologyMagdalen College

Supports the president by helping lead the committee, coordinating activities, and stepping in to manage responsibilities when the President is unavailable.

Illia Chkheidze

Treasurer

BSc PPEChrist Church

Manages Society budget, spending, and other finance-related issues.

Mariana Fedchyshyn

Secretary

BA JurisprudenceMansfield College

Oversees the Society’s administration, including preparing agendas and minutes, maintaining the membership list, managing internal communications, and ensuring compliance with University procedures. Coordinates with the University Clubs Office and supports the organisation of Society events and elections.

Roman Lorello

Partnerships Officer

MBiol Biological SciencesLady Margaret Hall

Initiates and maintains institutional relationships across Oxford, the UK and internationally. Oversees joint projects, cultural events, and advocacy initiatives related to Ukraine.

Kateryna Kravchenko

Events Officer

RA NeuroscienceSt John's College

Assists with venue hire and promotion of events, takes part in proposing upcoming events for the committee, manages social media accounts and communications, advertises events, creates content and announcements.

Sonia Dikhtiarenko

Events Officer

MPhil Russian & East European StudiesWadham College

Katerina Szylo

Welfare Officer

DPhil HistorySt Catherine's College

Promotes well-being, safety, and supports members.

Hlib Solodzhuk

IT Officer

DPhil NeuroscienceKeble College

Responsible for the Society’s digital infrastructure, managing the website, communications tools, and technical support for events and projects.

Want to join us?

We are always looking for motivated members to join and support the committee as appointed officers!