Insights by WoBua January serves as a roadmap from leaders committed to working tirelessly for Ukraine’s prosperity. The year 2025 opens a new chapter for Ukraine—a journey spanning hope for peace and reconstruction to fears of prolonged conflict and global instability. These perspectives offer not only a snapshot of the year’s stakes but also a blueprint for resilience, leadership, and unity.

In this issue, we asked the members and supporters of Women on Boards Ukraine questions that lie at the heart of our shared s renewal, and a deep understanding of the critical importance of global support.

Strength: I hope for a just and secure peace in Ukraine in 2025. Ukraine must gain strength on the battlefield, to press the invaders back and have leverage at any negotiation table. Our allies and partners must recommit themselves to restoring peace and international law by supporting the Ukrainian people fighting this battle.

Chaos: My greatest fear is that the free world will not react appropriately to the global chaos being driven by the “axis of evil” — russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Disinformation, explosions, murders, cutting underwater cables, mail meant to blow up airplanes, financing of anti-democratic forces and countries — all are intended to weaken the international world order and destroy our democracies. By allowing these actions to continue without repercussions, the axis is encouraged to continue and expand these dangerous and destructive practices.

Resilience: I am preparing for the unpredictability of U.S. economic and foreign policy in the year ahead, as well as its effect on the global economy. Taken together with the very painful ongoing russian war in Ukraine, building resilience is a key priority. Resilience in each country, resilience of business, and personal resilience are a must. Countries need to develop plans to strengthen their local economies, reduce debt, and prepare for currency and other risks. Businesses need to diversify their supply chains, reduce manufacturing dependence on a single country, and reduce costs to account for the greater risks. Personally, resilience means finding a way to do more to strengthen Ukraine’s position — from raising money for key not-for-profit organizations to mentoring and coaching young leaders. Pairing this important work with self-care is key to avoiding burnout and ensuring longevity of effort and self.

Peace: My biggest hope is that Ukraine will achieve just peace and security for the future and be able to accelerate reconstruction. Also Georgia, my second home and that of my 3 kids, will resume a path toward Europe and democracy. I see myself and maybe my kids living there again if conditions are right.

Brutality: ⁠My greatest fear for the world is that we will continue to move in a trajectory where ‘might is right’ — whoever is strongest and most brutal takes what they want without any international norms.

Reconstruction: ⁠In the year ahead, I expect to be in Ukraine much of the time and am hoping the IFC can support more and more the reconstruction of Ukraine’s economy. Also hope that soon I can fly in and out of Kyiv and sleep through the night when I am there!

Reconstruction: My biggest and cautious expectation is that we will see the war end on terms that would allow people to return to Ukraine, plan their future, and start rebuilding.

Instability: My biggest fear is that political instability in key partner countries reflects negatively on overall support for Ukraine — military, financial, and political. I hope key decision-makers there realize how fragile the situation is and continue to prioritize support for Ukraine despite domestic (and international) challenges.

Preparedness: We try to be prepared for both good and less good scenarios by paying down the debt and keeping liquidity high, keeping costs under control, making only necessary investments into operational efficiency, and motivating the team. If things work out well — we have a strong balance sheet to invest in, if the situation worsens — we are not over-leveraged and hopefully can withstand the storm.

Stability: As we look ahead to 2025, my greatest hope lies in achieving reliable and just peace and security for Ukraine and the entire world. Stability and confidence in the future are essential for growth and development, as well as for addressing critical challenges like restoring climate balance and fostering global opportunities. I hope we will be able to work steadily, fulfill our personal and professional goals, innovate, and pursue our mission of making Ukraine a better place for doing business. These aspirations are at the core of everything we strive for at the EBA and GB4U in 2025.

Uncertainty: Actually, my biggest fear is that all these hopes may not be realized. We live in times of great uncertainty, not only because of the war and its far-reaching consequences but also due to other complex threats, such as the uncontrolled expansion of AI, the non-zero possibility of another pandemic, and the rise of authoritarian and far-right regimes around the world. These challenges remind us of how fragile progress can be, how essential it is to remain agile, and how much we should value the simple yet fundamental things we have in our lives.

Agility: As we look ahead to the coming year, I am preparing for a period of dynamic activity. There is much work to be done, and I have no doubt that 2025 will keep us on our toes. Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic that by staying focused and united, we can continue to advance our goals and aspirations. The future will definitely demand agility, and those individuals and businesses that can adapt, embrace change, and act fast will thrive in any environment.

Hope: Undoubtedly a just peace for the Ukrainian people so that many of those who had to leave the country will be able to go back to help rebuilding it and seizing the many opportunities the Ukrainian EU approximation offers. At the EBRD, we are determined to support building the economy back better as we have been steadfastly supporting the resilience of the Ukrainian economy in the past 3 years.

Fear: I am very concerned that the ongoing worldwide geopolitical fragmentation will exacerbate in the near future. We see that in our daily jobs across our region, from Ukraine to the Caucasus to the Middle East.

Program: We are a growing institution. We keep growing our investments and portfolio in our legacy countries of operation and expanding in new markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. Supporting Ukraine will continue to be our first and utmost priority in 5 areas: energy security, vital infrastructure, food security, private sector resilience, and support to trade.

Resolution: The biggest event for Ukraine — and the world — is how the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Israel will be resolved. Both conflicts heavily depend on the initial steps taken by the new administrations in the US and the EU, as well as the ability of Ukrainian leaders to effectively communicate and cooperate to secure stronger support.

Radicalism: My greatest fear is that the US administration might adopt overly radical or hasty approaches toward the situation in Ukraine. However, I also recognize that the responsibility lies not just with the US but also with Ukraine. If we fail to communicate effectively, build trust, or offer clear and compelling arguments, it may complicate decision-making and lead to less favourable outcomes for all parties involved. Of course, we must all remain deeply concerned about how Russia may act in 2025. Putin has already crossed most of the red lines, but there are still black lines — such as the use of nuclear or chemical weapons of mass destruction. Our greatest hope is that this fear never becomes reality.

Alignment: I am focused on analyzing the new administrations and developing fresh ideas on how to work with them differently. In Ukraine, we want stronger support and deeper understanding from our partners, but that requires us to rethink our messaging and improve how we communicate our needs. We must take responsibility for fostering cooperation while protecting our core values and beliefs and finding creative approaches to build stronger alliances.

Victory: The answer is simple, but difficult to implement — we all hope that the year 2025 will bring victory to our nation and peace to our country. All other hopes are less meaningful when you do not feel safe in your home country — when Ukraine loses its best sons and daughters instead of gathering them around a festive table, when you see the light of the explosion in the heart of Kyiv instead of Christmas lights, when you hear sirens instead of New Year's fireworks, when our children ask Santa Claus to end the war instead of presenting a new toy.

Fears: The greatest fear for 2025 and the years to come is to lose this war and, with it the identity of our nation, the faith of our people and the future of our children.

Resilience: "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst" — a rather cautious mindset, but it helps if you live in turbulent times and adapt your business and personal plans with wartime in mind. We hope for the best, i.e. we are preparing for the projects on Ukraine's rebuild, green recovery, demining, and investments, as well as projects on compensation of damages caused by Russia's aggression. We prepare for the worst, i.e. we are accumulating our physical and mental health to live in terms of a war of attrition — work even harder to support the economy, our army, our team and our families.

Beginning: New year is always about new hope and my hope is for the end of the war — a moment when we can move from fight and survival to envisioning, from enduring to creating. The rebuilding of Ukraine must go beyond restoration; it must be a transformation — stronger, smarter, and more just. This war has taught us an undeniable truth: while external support is critical, true strength comes from within. To have a decisive voice at the table of global leadership, Ukraine must stand tall, resilient, and self-reliant, with external allies amplifying — not defining — our strength.

Anger: Like every Ukrainian, my biggest fear is that the war will continue, causing more loss and suffering — lives lost, families broken, and more tears. The thought of ongoing uncertainty and destruction fills me with fear, frustration, and anger.

Optimism: The war has taught us that as leaders, we must be flexible — prepared for everything from the most optimistic scenarios to the harshest realities. I’ve learned that resilience comes from a balance of realism and optimism, with the latter being the force that carries us through tough times and the unknown. I’m preparing for hard work, dreaming boldly, and leading with optimism to navigate through the uncertainty.

Revival: For me, 2025 is a year of Hope. With hope in our hearts and minds, we can endure, overcome new challenges, and move forward as individuals, as a society, and as a state. Hope empowers us to continue supporting Ukrainian defenders on the frontline, rebuild war-torn areas, improve infrastructure, and revitalize Ukraine’s economy. Also, we should find internal and external resources to stay united and capable of protecting Ukraine during the 4th year of the full-scale invasion (and the 11th year of the war). This is what our enemy attacked so many times in 2024 — our unity via its large-scale information war. Strong, united and resilient Ukrainians, driven by hope, can gain continued international support.

Sovereignty: My greatest fear is losing Ukraine on the global map. Our goal is to emerge/exit from Russia's war against Ukraine as a sovereign independent state. In world history, there may be no other opportunity or chance to save Ukraine.

Endurance: Ukraine has the power to protect Europe and the world. And, Ukrainians are standing strong against evil, knowing that light and truth will always triumph over darkness and lies. To secure victory and endure as a nation, we should remain united and diligently work toward rebuilding our homes and infrastructure, strengthening our military and defense capabilities, continuing economic reforms, supporting our Euro integration efforts, and securing a more active presence of Ukraine in international discussions on a wide range of topics. Ukrainians definitely have a lot to say and offer to the world. And, above all, supporting our veterans must remain our highest priority.

Hope: My greatest hope for 2025 is the end of the war. I dream of a Ukraine where people are free and alive, where families are reunited, and where smiles replace the pain and suffering caused by war. I want to see soldiers safely return home, prisoners and stolen children brought back to their families, and a nation rebuilding itself with the strength and resilience it has already proven to the entire world. I also hold onto the hope that justice will prevail. The crimes committed against our country must not go unpunished, and I believe retribution for these atrocities will come. This isn’t just about accountability — it’s about honoring the sacrifices of those who have suffered and ensuring such horrors can never happen again. My hope is for a Ukraine that emerges stronger, united, and ready to shape its future as a great nation.

Forgetfulness: My greatest fear is that people might forget the immense price we paid in this war — the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the unshakable spirit of our nation. I fear that, as time passes, we could lose sight of who we are, allowing divisions and political maneuvering to take precedence over unity and shared purpose. I also worry about the weakness and craziness of global leadership. If the world’s democratic nations continue to hesitate or avoid decisive actions, they risk ceding ground to authoritarian regimes. The fight between democracy and dictatorship is not just about Ukraine — it’s about the future of freedom and human rights everywhere. My fear is that democracies might fail to recognize this and lose their will to stand firm, letting oppressors rewrite the rules of the world.

Preparation: I’m preparing for the worst. I’m bracing for chaos, even greater uncertainty, and a world where the lack of rules becomes the norm. I’m readying myself for hard work and relentless challenges, knowing the road ahead will demand resilience and adaptability. At the same time, I’m focusing on staying grounded understanding that preparation isn’t just about reacting to difficulties — it’s about finding strength within, holding onto my values, and working tirelessly for the future we believe in.

Conclusion

The reflections in this newsletter underscore a universal s commitment to justice, peace, and progress. Adversity is not merely an obstacle — it is an opportunity to rebuild stronger, innovate boldly, and lead with purpose.

Ukraine’s journey toward peace, sovereignty, and resilience is a shared endeavor, one that requires steadfast support from international allies and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of unity and determination. As we embark on this pivotal year, let these voices inspire action, solidarity, and hope for a future where Ukraine thrives as a beacon of resilience and progress on the world stage. Together, we can turn today’s fears into tomorrow’s triumphs.