“Much changed for Ukrainians abroad since the full-scale russian invasion: existing in two worlds is something one can never get used to, jolts of fear and sadness throughout the day. One feeling Ukrainians are acquainted with is rage, but also repugnance of all things russian. How are we to celebrate accomplishments and feel joy when millions of our countrymen inside Ukraine remain in a disorienting state of uncertainty? How to counteract the feeling of guilt about sleeping under a quiet night sky in Canada, France, South Africa or Argentina when millions of Ukrainian men, women and children are plagued by terrors of nightly bombings (a time when russian enemy most often chooses to terrorize Ukrainian civilians)?

I will speak of what has worked for me, for the past two years of atrocities on my homeland - taking a stance and acting, it is my answer to keeping a connection to my people. Action, big or small, and preferably daily. We, Ukrainians living abroad, must unite around the sense of responsibility for those who are inside. We owe this to our nation, a place where our roots lie, where we parted with our youth. No deed is small enough when it comes to acting in solidarity with our country. What do I mean? Let’s run through the following questions: Have you showed solidarity today or donated to the Ukrainian effort? It’s not hard to find a hard-working volunteer who dedicated her life to nearly full-time actions, purchases of drones and deliveries to the front. Have you encouraged a Ukrainian soldier via his or her DM? Posted a truthful account of yet another atrocity perpetrated by the russian aggressor? Spoken to someone in your country of residence about your background and Ukraine’s history? Shared a credible Ukrainian news story, especially in light of a potent russian troll army working hard to counteract the truth? Did you support/promote Ukrainian small business? These are mere suggestions (although donation is a must).

It is not only the Armed Forces of Ukraine whose job is to defend Ukraine, we must all bear the brunt of the russian attacks. There is no other homeland, we only have Ukraine.

This brings me to the WOW Woman Yuliya Kril, a Ukrainian living in Toronto, Canada. At the start of the full-scale russian invasion Ms. Kril could not stay silent, she multiplied her twitter messaging from initial 30 to 22,000+ followers. Yuliya’s niche is reaching English-speaking audiences, while understanding the North American mentality; this skill is important for Ukraine, especially now. Although Ms. Kril had to deal with russian trolls and dodged online threats, she persists.

I’m glad Yuliya and I had a chance to meet in Toronto, commiserate and establish a good Ukrainian connection. Excited to shine a spotlight on an intelligent Ukrainian mind, thriving abroad. United we are stronger, more effective, and useful for Ukraine.” - Olga Shmaidenko, Founder of WOW Woman.

Lawyer, Ukrainian Voice, Toronto, Canada

4. What did you study in school?

I majored in History - at the time I was absolutely certain I was going to become a teacher.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the moment for you that changed your life (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

The journey to get to where I am was incredibly interesting and full of adventure, to say the least. I made a very spontaneous (and brave) decision to move to Madrid, Spain at the age of only 23. Basically, the goal was to live abroad, travel and get professional teaching experience. Whilst in Spain, I realized teaching wasn’t for me so I decided to apply to law school in England as I still wanted to reside in Europe at the time. Moving to a different country by myself (I didn’t even speak Spanish) at such a young age and becoming a lawyer in Canada are definitely some of my proudest life moments.

6. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

Definitely on February 24th, 2022 when I found out that russia invaded Ukraine on a full-scale basis. Although I did anticipate it, the news still shook me to my core. I didn’t sleep for the whole night and was truly an emotional wreck. I got back up on my feet fairly quickly as I realized I had to play my role in “fighting” against this genocide.

8. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

I love libraries! I can stroll through them for hours. Honestly, I have way too many “happy places”.

9. Have you travelled solo? If so, which were some of the most memorable destinations and why? Why do you travel and would you recommend it to women?

I’ve never travelled solo but I did visit many countries. I absolutely recommend traveling to everyone - it teaches so much, opens new horizons and broadens worldview. Each place I travelled to was truly special, but the most memorable were Morocco, Mexico and Spain. My favourite city, however, is London, England. That’s probably where I probably lived in my previous life.

10. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Fear of spiders!

11. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

Nothing. Everything that happened led me to where I am today. I lived and I learned.

13. What are you hopeful about?

That Ukraine wins the war this year (2024)!

14. What are some ingredients to a good life? How did the war in Ukraine change your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

Honestly, just the most basic and ordinary things - having a roof over your head, being surrounded by your loved ones, and health.

15. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? What advice would your 14-year old self give you in return?

Don’t rush to grow up (from both selves).

16. What are you reading now? (What books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

I’m currently reading “Book Thief” by Markus Zusak and “The Pearl that Broke Its Shell” by Nadia Hashimi. The book I gift the most is definitely Harry Potter (my favourite book of all time).

17. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, about why you admire them?

To be honest, there are many women I’m inspired by. But I’ll use this opportunity to call out those Ukrainians who are on the frontlines, the medics, the volunteers in the zones that are not the safest. They are truly superheroes in my eyes. And this also goes for women fighting for freedom and justice all over the world, not just in Ukraine.

18. Where can others find your work?

• Twitter: @juliavkril

• Instagram: @juliakril

1. Where were you when the attack took place (last year, but, of course, you can write about the first seizure of land, and about Maidan, and about Crimea)? Did you believe in the possibility of the RF attacking key cities of Ukraine and continuing full-scale aggression?

I was at home in Canada. It’s hard to imagine what those in Ukraine actually felt in that moment. I absolutely believed in the possibility of the RF attacking key cities of Ukraine - why else would they place their troops on the russian/Ukrainian border? In fact, I started being very active on Instagram - trying to spread awareness sometime in December 2021/early January of 2022 as I had a very strong feeling something bad was coming.

2. What was your experience of the day the war started? Where did you go and what do you recall was your plan?

I was emotionally and mentally wrecked. I remember there was a protest in Toronto that day - as much as I wanted to be there, I physically couldn’t leave my bed. It was certainly one of the worst days of my life, if not the worst.

3. How are your family and friends doing? How often are you in touch?

My family and friends are thankfully alright, they’re managing and coping, to say the least. Some days are better, some are worse, but they’re alive and that’s all that matters.

Yuliya, spreading Ukrainian cultural awareness on her social media accounts - like this Instagram post above, focusing on Ukrainian hustka scarf and the various ways to wear it. Encouraging the world to understand Ukraine better and appreciate Ukrainian culture.

This is a "hustka" — a traditional Ukrainian garment that translates to "handkerchief" or "scarf" in English. Throughout Ukrainian history, hustkas were primarily worn by women to cover their heads, necks, or shoulders and held both traditional and symbolic meaning. Passed down from mothers to daughters, they were believed to offer protection against the evil eye.

5. What do you want the world to know/realize/understand/appreciate about Ukrainians and Ukrainian women in particular?

I want the world to know how resilient, brave and inspiring Ukrainians are.

6. What will be the first thing you'll do when Ukraine wins?

Call my family in Ukraine and then celebrate!

Bonus Quick Round Qs:

1. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days? Travel and read.

2. If you could relive one year in your life, which one would it be? 2015, when I moved to Spain.