21/02/2026
From emergency response to long-term vision.
On February 20, 2022, Anna Krys and Pavlo Bogachenko left Ukraine four days before the full-scale invasion began. Pavlo had a scheduled Bar exam in the United States. Ireland became the natural place to return to, as Anna had previously lived and worked here from 2015 to 2019.
By March 2022, together with Volodymyr Kovalchuk, we launched United for Changes as an immediate response to the war. What began as a fast, practical initiative quickly grew into something much bigger.
We:
• created an information YouTube channel to help Ukrainians integrate
• organised roundtables and community events
• coordinated humanitarian aid deliveries to Ukraine
• launched a Telegram job channel for Ukrainians in Ireland
In 2023, Vlada Shevchenko joined the team, and we launched the Ukrainian Business Bootcamp, running two cohorts across 2023–2024, helping Ukrainian entrepreneurs start businesses in Ireland. We also launched the Youth Career Club to support Ukrainian teenagers in discovering career pathways and opportunities in Ireland.
Over time, it became clear: we were no longer just a response initiative.
We were building infrastructure. In 2025, our pace slowed. Anna experienced a serious skiing accident, two fractures, two surgeries, and is still undergoing rehabilitation. One of the team’s most important “projects” this year has been supporting her recovery.
But recovery brings perspective.
It became evident that if the war continues and if Ukraine is to rebuild, short-term action will not be enough. Reconstruction requires economic bridges.
Strategic partnerships. Sustained collaboration between Ukraine and Ireland.
That understanding led us to formalise what had already been growing.
🇺🇦🤝🇮🇪 Together, we founded the Ukrainian Irish Chamber of Commerce, now officially registered (CRO No. 728863).
United for Changes is not ending. It continues as a core project within the Chamber ecosystem. All existing initiatives remain active. Our mission remains the same. But our structure evolves.
The photos here are from November 2025, when we gathered participants of two Ukrainian Business Bootcamps, founders, mentors, and long-standing business leaders in Ireland, and held the soft launch of the Chamber.
That evening was not just an event. It was a transition.
From initiative to institution.
We invite you to follow and support the next chapter:
Ukrainian Irish Chamber of Commerce
https://www.facebook.com/uichamber
Photo Andrii Humennyi