Maria Romanenko

Maria Romanenko is a Ukrainian journalist-turned-activist whose career took a dramatic turn following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Recognised for her work exposing Putin’s war crimes against Crimean Tatars, Maria was placed on the Russian kill list, forcing her to leave her homeland, her family, and her life behind. Though this was a deeply painful experience, Maria found the strength to turn her personal adversity into an opportunity. Drawing on her expertise as a journalist and her deep sense of empathy, she channelled her energy into supporting Ukrainian war refugees in the UK, founding and leading several voluntary and not-for-profit initiatives across Manchester, Liverpool, and beyond.

Her leadership in this space has been widely acknowledged. Maria is a Rising Leaders Fellow at the Aspen Institute UK, a testament to her influence and highly regarded position within the Ukrainian war refugee community. However, her impact extends far beyond displaced Ukrainians—her selfless advocacy has inspired people across the UK, uniting communities in support of democracy, human rights, and a peaceful future for the world. She also became the first Ukrainian recipient of the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award and was a finalist for The Spirit of Manchester’s Volunteer of the Year Award, as well as Manchester City Council’s Culture Awards for her contributions to the promotion of culture and education.

Beyond her activism, Maria is a powerful public speaker, engaging audiences at festivals, universities, and galleries across the UK. She has also shared her experience with multi-million audiences on TV, radio, and podcasts in the UK and globally. She offers a compelling first-hand account of the war, resilience in the face of adversity, and the role of activism in shaping global narratives. Through her work, Maria continues to bridge communities, inspire change, and lead with purpose, amplifying the voices of those affected by conflict.

The Talks For Ukraine project, founded by Ukrainian journalist Maria Romanenko after fleeing Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, is a flagship initiative of All For Ukraine. Since its launch in 2022, it has grown into a nationally recognised speaking tour and a leading awareness-raising campaign across the UK and Europe. At its core, the powerful talk, ‘How NOT To Flee a War’, tells the story of Maria and her partner’s gripping escape from Kyiv to Manchester. Their story has resonated globally, being featured by the BBC, ITV, Sky News, CNN, and many more.

Since relocating to the UK, Maria has focused on supporting displaced Ukrainians and raising awareness through talks. Her work bridges cultural understanding with practical support, advocacy for Ukraine, and helping Ukrainians navigate life abroad while preserving their identity.All For Ukraine creates meaningful social impact by leading grassroots initiatives, collaborating with the VCSE sector, and providing essential support to displaced Ukrainians and their families through education, empowerment, and community engagement.