Ukraine Foundation
Inspiring Change, Driving Impact
Our fellowship team is committed to empowering emerging Ukrainian leaders through cultural, professional and diplomatic development opportunities worldwide. Our Associate and Assistant Policy Fellows support the Foundation’s Policy Program.
Jacob Sirof, Associate Fellow, International Security and Humanitarian Policy
Jacob Sirof is an emerging humanitarian and development professional whose experience spans U.S. Government assistance, international project management, and legal analysis. He has built a record of strengthening institutional processes, supporting complex humanitarian portfolios, and contributing to disciplined, mission-driven program delivery.
Most recently, Jacob served with the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), where he supported the management of emergency response awards for East Africa. In this role, he prepared and reviewed documentation for a wide portfolio of agreements, ensured compliance with USAID and Federal guidelines, and worked closely with program teams to resolve technical issues and maintain the integrity of humanitarian programming. Prior to BHA, he contributed to USAID’s Fragile Waters Activity at DAI Global LLC, assisting with project coordination, reporting, and donor-facing documentation across a multi-country development initiative.
Jacob’s early experience in the legal sector and in community organizations further strengthened his analytical skills, research capabilities, and commitment to public service. His work in environmental and employment law developed his capacity for regulatory analysis and clear, evidence-based reporting—skills he has carried into his international affairs work.
His research focuses on international security, cross-border disputes, and the multilateral responses to complex humanitarian crises. He is particularly interested in how global institutions can better address “wicked” geopolitical challenges through data-driven analysis and strategic policymaking.
Jacob holds an MPA and a B.A. in Political Science from Binghamton University, where he graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
Jacob Sirof holds an active security clearance. He speaks English and Spanish.
Artem Oliinyk
Lead Associate Policy Fellow, Stakeholders Engagement
Artem Oliinyk is a Ukrainian political scientist and researcher affiliated with the Academy of Political Sciences of Ukraine. He currently contributes to political analysis and public discourse on Ukraine’s domestic and international challenges through his academic work and civic engagement. In 2022, he served as President of the Ukrainian chapter of the International Association for Political Science Students (IAPSS), during which he issued a public statement addressing the international dimensions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and advocating for coordinated global support. From 2020 to 2022, he was Head of the Scientific Society of the Faculty of Philosophy at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, where he played a leading role in organizing academic initiatives and supporting student research.
His publications reflect a strong focus on socio-political processes, civil society, integration, and international relations. Notably, he contributed to the 2022 monograph “The Russian-Ukrainian War (2014–2022): Historical, Political, Cultural-Educational, Religious, Economic, and Legal Aspects,” published by Baltija Publishing, offering an analytical perspective on the political implications of the conflict. He has also written on the influence of the Ukrainian diaspora in electoral politics, the complexities of national integration, and the evolving behavior of civil society under conditions of war and crisis.
Artem Oliinyk earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. During his studies, he was actively involved in academic leadership and student governance.
He has spoken on topics including the Ukrainian diaspora, civil society, and national integration, as well as cybersecurity and the Russia–Ukraine war, at forums such as the Kyiv Security Forum, the European Democracy Youth Network, and events organized by the International Association for Political Science Students.
He is a native Ukrainian speaker, fluent in English, and has working knowledge of Russian.
Alina Zubrytska, Assistant Fellow, Humanitarian Affairs
Alina Zubrytska is a legal professional currently serving as a Caseworker and Protection Family Links Officer at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Switzerland. She gained experience as a legal assistant and paralegal within law firms and non-governmental organizations, where she worked on legal documentation and supported vulnerable populations.
She holds a Master’s degree in Global European Studies from the University of Basel, a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Zaporizhzhya National University and a Master’s Degree in Slavic Languages, Literature and Linguistics from Dniprovsk State Technical University.
She speaks fluently English, French, Ukrainian and Russian.
We Are Team UA: Voices of Impact
Our Policy and Research Fellowship Team brings together 20 outstanding individuals: 2 Distinguished Senior Fellows, 7 Senior Fellows, 2 Special Fellows, 4 Fellows, and 5 Associate Fellows. This powerhouse of expertise is building one of the most dynamic and impactful policy research communities focused on Ukraine today. To learn more about each of them, click on his or her image.
Our Fellows and our team hail from the world’s most prestigious universities — Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Berkeley, LSE, UCL and King’s College — and bring a wealth of experience from the front lines of government, international financial institutions, diplomacy, defence, intelligence, think tanks, and academia.
Their analysis and commentaries have been featured on CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, Fox News, Bloomberg, Reuters, Financial Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Politico, the Kyiv Post, Ukrainska Pravda, and on all major Ukrainian television channels.
Their research have been published in peer-reviewed publications including Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Harvard International Review, The National Interest, European Economic Review, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Journal of Strategic Studies, International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Survival, Journal of Conflict Resolution, and World Politics Review.
Together, they form a brain trust capable of shaping the next generation of policy solutions.
FAQs
What is the focus of Ukraine Foundation’s work?
Ukraine Foundation is an independent, mission-driven research and impact organization dedicated to advancing peace, resilience, and innovation in Ukraine. Our work combines rigorous policy research with practical initiatives that strengthen Ukraine’s international partnerships, support innovation and technology, and promote cultural resilience amid the ongoing war.
How does the Foundation turn research into impact?
We believe research should lead to real-world change. Our policy programs —Ukraine in Europe, China in Ukraine, and Ukraine in the Global South— produce insights that shape international dialogue and policy. At the same time, our impact initiatives foster cooperation between governments, businesses, academia, and civil society, ensuring that ideas translate into action for Ukraine’s security, prosperity, and influence.
How can individuals and organizations engage with the Foundation?
Engagement is central to our mission. Partners, experts, and supporters can collaborate through joint research projects, public events, and strategic initiatives in innovation and culture. We also welcome contributions to our programs that amplify Ukraine’s voice globally and strengthen its resilience at home.
How can I support Ukraine Foundation?
You can support our mission by contributing financially, partnering on research or impact projects, or amplifying our work through your professional networks. Every contribution -whether funding, expertise, or visibility- helps us strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and global partnerships.
Does Ukraine Foundation accept volunteers or research fellows?
Yes. We welcome dedicated professionals, researchers, and students who want to contribute to our policy and impact agenda. Opportunities range from short-term projects and fellowships to longer-term engagement with our programs and initiatives.
How can organizations collaborate with the Foundation?
We actively partner with think tanks, universities, governments, businesses, and NGOs to co-develop research, host events, and implement projects that drive meaningful change. Organizations interested in collaboration can reach out to us directly to explore tailored partnerships.