“The goings on inside Ukraine right now, are nothing short of extraordinary. Ukrainians have never been more tired and angry, yet they remain united in channeling that anger into a collective push-back against a common enemy - the Russian Federation. Starting in 2022 (but truly in 2014 with Crimea), and continuing into today, Russians are grabbing Ukrainian land and indiscriminately killing, torturing an raping innocent Ukrainians, thus propagating one of the worst atrocities Europe has seen since the Second World War. Most Ukrainians have been living in limbo since February 24th, 2022; “living”, as an active verb, has been replaced with surviving, struggling and persevering.

There are now 6.9M internally displaced Ukrainians, who left their homes temporarily or perhaps forever; over three million Ukrainians fled russian bombs into the neighboring countries or travelled overseas; many Ukrainian citizens have been forcefully deported (including women and children) by russians, into russia. Forceful. Deportations. In Europe. In 2023.

Lies and propaganda from RF and its sympathizers have shown us, in the free world, the real power of the misinformation campaigns. These are the reasons I find it especially important to write and highlight individual humans behind Ukrainian resistance. These are the WOW Women on the ground, in Ukraine, who are leading and helping in war and other efforts. I started the “Inside Ukraine” WOW Woman series in order to show the world, with pride, what my homeland is capable of.

So, without further ado, please allow me to give you a glimpse into Ukraine’s future. I would like to shine a spotlight on Ms. Naya Novak, a self-labelled “Ukrainian Armed Forces Supplying Volunteer”. Volunteer is a term, as I found out from Naya, which these days refers to anyone helping the homeland win the war. Whenever someone is volunteering in Ukraine, you can bet they are either fundraising for the Defense Forces or helping in a humanitarian sphere; Naya is of the former kind. Because Naya does not post the link to her the page with her fundraising details, and I had to search for it in order to donate, I’ll post the link here, right in the intro, and save you the trouble later.”

- Olga Shmaidenko, Founder of WOW Woman.

Ukrainian Armed Forces Supplying Volunteer, PR Professional, Patriot, Kyiv

1. Name. ​​

My name is Naya Novak; and my name at birth was Anastasiia Illichova.

3. What did you study and what is your profession?

I studied journalism at the Taras Shevchenko National University in Kyiv. After graduating, I worked in media, but the largest part of my career has been in Public Relations. I worked with various startups and NGOs, but my passion is joining exciting new tech initiatives and communicating their impact.

4. What was your typical day like before the war and how has your role changed since the invasion of Ukraine?

Before the full-scale invasion, I had two part-time Public Relations jobs in Ukrainian companies, in software development and cybersecurity fields. Now, I have retained a few freelance projects (to be able to pay some bills), but my main focus is the military supplies volunteering I carry out; it is the most crucial part of my life. Something needs to be explained here: in the Ukrainian info space, the word "volunteer" now primarily identifies someone who accumulates resources and helps other Ukrainians: the army, injured civilians, abandoned animals, etc.

My volunteering niche is helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I collect money and procure (either purchasing myself or through friends and connections) whatever the military asked for that week. I then send the items (ex. drones, power supplies, medical kits, etc.) to my colleagues/defenders who are on the front line, ensuring that our nation remains free.

Before the full-scale Russian invasion commenced in 2022, I was involved in public activism; my experience with volunteering involved helping my friends who have been defending Ukraine since 2014 (when the Russian-Ukrainian war first started). I know how to communicate big ideas and large projects, collect resources and report on progress. I understand new technologies quickly (seven years of work in the technology sector has helped with this). I collaborate greatly with my boyfriend, Pavlo Bondarenko, who is a podcast producer, technology enthusiast and a public activist. He is a former participant in the Patriots Defense initiative, which has been implementing international standards of tactical medicine in Ukraine since 2014. I’m also greatly inspired by Pavlo’s mother, Liliya Bondarenko. During the Revolution of Dignity in Kyiv, (people’s protests that culminated in the ousting of elected President and the overthrow of the Ukrainian government), Liliya was a Maidan medic in the main square in Kyiv; she saved many lives. Then, for the next several years after, Liliya served as a volunteer at a military hospital. I am constantly collaborating with my Ukrainian friends Vlad, Andriy, Nastya, Ulyana, and Yaroslav, who live in Germany and help us purchase various, required by the army, items throughout the EU. Together, we have purchased countless first aid supplies, optics, and electronics (drones, tablets, power supplies, etc.) required by the Ukrainian defenders.

On the left, my cat thoroughly examines the procured items for the army. On the right, Pavlo and I proudly showing off the Hospitallers Medical Battalion flag. "Hospitallers" is a volunteer organization of Ukrainian paramedics. It was founded by Yana Zinkevich at the beginning of hostilities in Ukraine in 2014.

My daily activities include: communicating with the Ukrainian military and collecting their requests into a spreadsheet. I then publish the table on social media, every Monday; I mostly use my Twitter and Instagram accounts for this. Pavlo and I collect money constantly. In order to fundraise effectively, we try to keep things exciting for the donors, running giveaways and auctions. With this money, we then buy everything our military units need and send the items to the front line. The servicemen/women send us photos as proof of receipt. Every Monday, a new list goes up and I’m proud to say I fulfill the requests on the regular.

Numerous individuals donate to my campaigns literally every week. They do it because they trust us. Every Ukrainian has at least one friend who is constantly collecting money for the army, buying items for the front. People donate to 'their own' volunteers, as well as to large foundations.

Here, it must be said that the Ukrainian banking system is young, and new technologies are easily implemented. Practically every Ukrainian has their bank's mobile application at their fingertips and can transfer a donation to a volunteer or a fund, in two clicks. This is one of the reasons most donations come from Ukrainians.

Russia, in the first month of the war alone, caused over $63 billion in damages to our economy, many Ukrainians have lost their jobs and their incomes have been significantly reduced; Yet, Ukrainians continue supporting their army.

We appreciate and wouldn't mind more contributions from the citizens of other countries. It is easier for foreigners to donate to the well-known funds, such as Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation (military and humanitarian aid), Come Back Alive (competent assistance for the army), Leleka Foundation (first aid and medical supplies for the front), Razom For Ukraine (first aid kits, drones, and protective equipment), Hospitallers (a medical battalion in Ukraine). 

5. What would you say are your strengths and superpowers?

I am proud of my stress reaction: it is more of a ‘fight’, instead of ‘flight’. Although I am a very, very careful person under usual life circumstances, things have changed after February 24th, 2022 (the day Russia invaded Ukraine). Up to the very day of the invasion, I thought that I would flee if the war started, but when I woke up from the explosions, I suddenly realized that I would not go anywhere. 

Before the full-scale invasion, Pavlo had a recording studio where he made podcasts. This building has a basement, so when bombings in Kyiv started, we grabbed our cats, met Pavlo’s mom and went down to the bomb-shelter. Together, we established a storage warehouse (for the military items) in the studio space and formed a makeshift bedroom in the basement. Since many russian rocket attacks happened at night, we were already in the basement most of the time, and could be in a relative safety at night, while remaining productive during the day. 

I have some amusing things to share about those days (one has to find some amusement to keep sane, right?). We could not get back home for quite a long time, due to shelling and other safety concerns. With no change of clothes for weeks and backpacks with necessities to last a few days, we needed to think fast. Offices in a neighboring office building were rented by our friends, designers of the 'Your Family Doctor' campaign (aimed to support medical system reform in Ukraine); these offices were full of the campaign merch. Our friends generously let us take some merch from this Effie-awarded campaign, and as such, many stranded Ukrainians that day ended up wearing t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters with the “Your Family Doctor” logo, even though only Lilia among us was a real doctor.

Some memorable self-portraits during the past year of war include: (1) a walk through Kyiv after the Ukrainian Defense Forces won the battle for the city (2) The only available clothing was our friend’s, Effie-awarded campaign merch, so I wore it. It states “Your family doctor” aka “Твоя сімейна лікарка”. (3) a memorable selfie showing bliss after my first bath in months, since the start of the war.

Getting back to the point, as soon as we found a place where we were relatively safe in Kyiv, we began to act. Personally, it was the only possible option for me. It seemed to me, that if I didn't do anything (aiding the war effort), I would turn ​​into a stone from the sheer fear and despair. When you can't grasp the reality, you better act. At least it works for me!

6. What are things you do just for you? Is it possible to stay sane in a war situation? What are some things that help you to not lose yourself?

To be honest, sometimes it isn't easy to find time to eat properly or even sleep. The only thing I try to do is balance my daily routine and cook healthier meals, so I’m able to have more energy.

When I have free time, I like to read. Since returning home, I’ve simply loved taking baths and doing self-care procedures. I'm fortunate, as I live in an old, low-rise building; we have a gas water heater, so even if there's no electricity, I can still take a bath. In the new high-rise buildings, there is no hot water when the lights are turned off, and sometimes there is no cold water either because the pumps cannot accommodate everyone at the same time. Of course, electric stoves don't work either; so I feel fortunate for my gas stove and a gas oven.

There is another thing I simply love. It is rare but delightful to meet my military friends when they have the opportunity to come to Kyiv. Unfortunately, many of them come to the capital only because of an injury or on a short post-treatment time off. Still, I cherish those moments and meetings greatly, as they remind me why I do what I do.

On the left, We are together with the Ukrainian defender and the first car we bought for Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

On the right, half a ton of water, for de-occupied Iprin.

7. Do you feel the war changed you? How? Since the start of the war, has anything surprised you about yourself (how you have handled yourself, remained strong, found inspiration in unlikely sources, etc.), about your country, about your ideas about humanity? What have been some of your epiphanies?

War cannot but change you. Even if you are not directly on the front lines. war is death, tragedy, and destruction. I was somewhat surprised by how much terrible news I could survive without going absolutely mad.

my social media feed is one extensive obituary, interspersed with strange jokes and memes. Ukrainians have one bizarre sense of humour; it’s scary how bizarre it is sometimes. but it sure helps us to keep going. What would you do if your daily routine involved waking up, picking up an incoming call, finding out about the death of someone you know, expressing your condolences to the relatives, and then going on to keep doing your part of the job for the victory.

In the image above, I am holding a TCCC iFAK, an individual first aid kit we consistently fundraise for. Each carrying bag is compact and designed to be worn on the assault vest or body armor. It is a trauma kit, designed to address immediate life-threatening events, such as exsanguination (bleeding out), airway and breathing issues, hypothermia etc. When it comes to IFAK, the simpler the contents, the faster and they can be accessed and effectively applied.

I also have a lot of stories of civilians who helped defend Kyiv and did not talk about it anywhere:

• Managers, who dug the ground to build defensive positions around the city

• Musicians, who loaded sacks of flour at the bakery because the transportation in the city did not work and the workers could not get to work; yet somehow the enterprise had to proceed with baking bread for Ukrainians

• DJs, who loaded half a ton of water at a time, so our friends could make water deliveries to the newly de-occupied towns and suburbs

Ukrainians know how to unite in critical moments in time and history. These people and I will quarrel many more times over small things, but I know that when a great evil threatens us, I can lean on the shoulder of any Ukrainian—and I will stand by them in return, too.

8. What do you want the world to know about Ukrainians at this moment in time? About Ukrainian women?

Women are often perceived as soft power and are expected to “act diplomatically”. It is women who others try to involve in hypocritical 'reconciliation of the nations” showcases, for example the infuriating and humiliating performance put on by the Pope, where a Ukrainian woman carried the cross together with a Russian woman.

But now is absolutely not the time for seeking compromises and “cultural dialogue of the nations”. Russian women and men pay taxes to the Russian budget. Some of them work at ammunition plants while others serve in the Russian army or kill Ukrainians themselves. This so-called Russian culture has produced murderers and rapists, as we saw and keep seeing every single day; this same Russian culture perpetrated atrocities such as the Bucha Massacre and tragedies in Irpin, Borodyanka, Izyum (where shelling destroyed hospitals, homes and schools, clearly not military targets, and where many people were killed and often buried hastily in shallow mass-burial sites), and Mariupol, the site of one of the worst genocides of civilians in modern history.

Getting back to the point, some say that women should be kinder; but as a Ukrainian woman, I cannot tolerate these calls for stepping toward the enemy with open palms. This will not happen! Not on our watch. Do not force the victim to take a step toward the abuser.

Images taken (1) in peaceful times, (2) with the first two thermal imagers that will save our defenders’ lives (3) with Pavlo, who is holding the newly-arrived drones. My hair is wet because we lived in a warehouse, and I received the package after just after the morning shower (4) somewhere in Kyiv.

9. Who are your WOW Women who inspire you?

My WOW Women are my mother, Liliya Bondarenko (my boyfriend’s mother), as well as my friends who are currently defending our country on the battlefield or as civilians who are helping the army. 

Paramedics hold a special place in my heart. An incredibly inspiring to me women are Yana Zinkevych (who is the commander of the Ukrainian volunteer organization of paramedics called Hospitallers Medical Battalion), my friend Anna Skolbushevska and her colleague Olena Herasymyuk (who look after the battalion's logistical support), Olena is also an incredible poet.

And also, Alina Mykhaylova, deputy of the Kyiv City Council, military servicewoman, and head of the Ulf medical service. And Yevheniia Zakrevska, a Maidan families lawyer, who left her legal practice to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

And, of course, my volunteer friends; , whom I will not list so as not to forget anyone.

10. What is a place or activity that makes you feel happiest?

Ukraine. To be here. We often joke that after the victory, we will immediately go on a trip to all the countries that supported us in this war. I'm sure many people will, but for now, it's hard to imagine that I would want to go anywhere else.

11. What will be the first thing you’ll do when Ukraine wins? What are your dreams for yourself and your family after the war is finished?

I have absolutely no idea. I have no dreams anymore. But I know we will have a lot of work after we win: rebuild our homes and infrastructure, welcome back millions of Ukrainian women and children, fight for justice and punish every Russian war criminal. I hope that our allies will help us with this.

12. Where can others find you/your work? (links to website, blog, etc.)

You can follow me on Twitter: @zradaqueen where I post the list of required equipment and fundraise here

and and Instagram: @nayanovak, but I post mainly in Ukrainian.