Ukrainian leaders join the John Smith Trust to advance green recovery
At the end of January, the John Smith Trust will welcome a new cohort of Ukrainian leaders to Scotland, to support their vision of a green recovery for Ukraine.
We are running the Ukraine Recovery and Reconstruction Leadership Programme for exceptional professionals focusing on hydrogen innovation in partnership with the Scottish Government. The programme complements the 100-year partnership agreement between the UK and Ukraine, that was signed in Jan 2025.
“Ukraine’s recovery will require leadership that can navigate complexity, build partnerships and think long-term about sustainability and resilience,” said Maija Paasiaro, director of the John Smith Trust. “We are proud to welcome this cohort of Fellows, whose work on green recovery is vital not only for Ukraine’s future, but for the wider region.”
Leadership for recovery and resilience
We are bringing together professionals working at the forefront of Ukraine’s energy transition, environmental governance and sustainable development at a critical moment for the country’s future. The residential runs alongside the Trust’s Wider Europe and Central Asia programme, so Fellows have the opportunity for cross-learning, shared reflection and the building of long-term connections across the region.
As Ukraine continues to face the realities of war while planning for recovery and reconstruction, the programme is designed to support leaders shaping pathways towards a more secure, resilient and sustainable future.
Fellows will share their own expertise in meetings with policymakers, practitioners and experts in Scotland. They will also explore leadership, governance and practical approaches to green recovery — from hydrogen and renewable energy to regulation, investment and international cooperation. The programme includes visits to innovative hydrogen facilities in Fife, Aberdeen and Orkney.
This year’s cohort reflects the range of expertise needed to deliver long-term recovery, spanning diplomacy, law, environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, policy development and project implementation.
Fellow spotlight: Klavdiia Yatsyshyna
Among those joining the programme is Klavdiia Yatsyshyna, who works at the intersection of energy, diplomacy and sustainability. Currently an energy advisor with H2-diplo Decarbonization Diplomacy (GIZ), she supports Ukraine’s engagement with the emerging international hydrogen market, working with government institutions, academia and think tanks on the geopolitical, economic and policy dimensions of decarbonisation.
Her background includes leading the Ukraine Energy Initiative at the UN Global Compact Network Ukraine, ESG consulting at KPMG Ukraine, and roles connecting communities, government and the energy sector.
“Through the fellowship, I want to deepen my leadership skills and learn from the UK’s experience in hydrogen projects,” Klavdiia said. “These practical insights will be essential for supporting Ukraine’s green recovery and building long-term resilience.”
Fellow spotlight: Ivan Bondarchuk
Also joining the cohort is Ivan Bondarchuk, a Ukrainian lawyer specialising in energy and environmental law – he is a partner and head of energy and projects at LCF Law Group. His work focuses on renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure, supporting investment and policy development at a critical moment for Ukraine.
With a particular interest in hydrogen, Ivan is contributing to the development of Ukraine’s regulatory framework and advising on one of the country’s first potential hydrogen projects.
“This fellowship is an opportunity to deepen my expertise, build international partnerships and bring practical knowledge back to Ukraine,” Ivan said. “Strong legal frameworks and collaboration will be key to delivering a successful green transition.”
Learning alongside regional peers
During the residential, Fellows will take part in a programme of meetings, workshops and site visits across Scotland, engaging with leaders from government, industry, civil society and academia.
Running the programme alongside the Wider Europe and Central Asia fellowship will enable Fellows to share perspectives with peers from across the region, strengthening networks and encouraging collaboration beyond national borders.
Anna Makhlay, John Smith Trust programme manager, said: “We look forward to welcoming the Fellows to the UK and supporting them as they develop the ideas, partnerships and leadership approaches that will contribute to Ukraine’s recovery — shaping not only reconstruction, but a greener and more resilient future.”