Our Mission

The International Ukrainian Crisis Fund is a nonprofit organization that is delivering humanitarian aid directly to the most vulnerable. Currently, our foundation has distribution centers set up across the country in almost every major city in Ukraine that has not been occupied. We have medical aid distribution set up to major hospitals in Kyiv, and across the country. The first focus has been directing support and much-needed medicinal assistance to those still in Ukraine by supporting local hospitals. By coordinating partnerships with dozens of local foundations we have made sure the embattled and brave citizens in Ukraine are not deprived of basic needs that at the moment are quickly diminishing.

Our organization works in four main cities Lviv, Kharkiv, Odessa, and Kyiv. The supply distribution is nationwide, but there is a significant focus on these four critical cities due to their concentration of hospitals and population sizes. These cities also face the strongest destruction from Russian aggression.

The second focus has been on helping relocate refugees that have fled to bordering nations by providing lodging, transportation, food, medicine, baby supplies, and anything else that will help them get settled. Vlada, George, and their employees such as Nadia Hnatuik, a refugee herself with two young children, have coordinated the aid delivery on the ground with entry points into Ukraine from Poland and Moldova.

We are helping those who need it most.

The International Ukrainian Crisis Fund is providing food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to Ukrainians in need.

 
 

Our Team

We are an International Organization founded by a Ukraine born Vlada Galan and American born political strategist George Birnbaum.

  • Vlada is the President and Chairman of the board of the International Ukrainian Crisis Fund. She started the fund February 2022 four days after the start of the war in Ukraine. Vlada is political consultant by trade and does not come from a background of nonprofit work.

    Vlada advises various Heads of State on political and multilateral agency election campaigns and is highly regarded for crisis management experience, track 2 diplomacy skills, and approach to international lobbying and sanctions work. Vlada serves as an election expert working with heads of state and candidates for political office across five continents. Her work vast work experience includes Austria, Azerbaijan, Colombia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mexico, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

    Vlada worked for multiple leading public affairs firms based in Washington, D.C., including Mercury Public Affairs before founding Oracle Advisory Group, an international consulting firm with offices in the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

    Vlada is originally from Odessa, Ukraine. She received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Georgia State University and an MLA from Harvard University in International Relations. Vlada has appeared on CNN, Fox News, Newsmax, and other leading news networks. In August 2022 Vlada was awarded a medal for her humanitarian work in Ukraine during the ongoing crisis. In August 2023 she was awarded a second medal from the Ukrainian government for her support and assistance to her country.

 
  • George is an international political consultant with nearly 30 years of significant political campaign and nonprofit experience. 

    George has developed and overseen campaign strategies for national elections across five continents and over 40 countries worldwide. He has successfully helped elect over 20 presidents, prime ministers, and chancellors across the globe, including numerous nonprofit organizations.

    George also served as chief of staff to former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  Most recently, George was the campaign strategist for Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet. George has also been deeply involved in the Ukrainian political world for five years, working with national and local leaders.

 
  • Nadya Hnatiuk is the director of distribution and logistics for the International Ukrainian Crisis Fund. She manages all operations across Ukraine. Nadya is a refugee herself who fled Ukraine with her two children. Nadya has over 7 years’ experience in project management and has worked with various Mayors, Presidential candidates, and Oligarchs in Ukraine on varying initiatives. Nadya has a Masters in Business Administration and has multiple certificate accreditations in public relations and nonprofit work.

  • Victor is the national director of the International Ukrainian Crisis Fund. Victor is stationed in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and manages distribution of aid across the country. Victor manages the nationwide network of volunteers, and the aid logistics across Ukraine.

    Victor was born in a small town in the Kyiv region and lived all his life in Kyiv, which is his native city. He is the founder and managing partner of company engaged in the installation of industrial refrigeration systems. Victor’s main goal and desire during the war is to help people affected by the hostilities.

  • Dr. Annya Plotkina was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine and immigrated to the United States with her mother in 2004, when she was 15 years old. Her father and her grandparents still reside in the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine.

    Dr. Annya Plotkina is a licensed clinical pharmacist in the states of Georgia and Alabama. She graduated with BS in Biology and Biopsychology from Life University, Doctor of Pharmacy from Auburn University, Harrison College of Pharmacy, and she completed her PGY-1 residency at Huntsville Hospital, AL. Dr. Plotkina currently works at Decatur Emory Hospital in Decatur, GA. As a medication expert with over 5 years of healthcare experience and working through the COVID-19 pandemic, she has a great understanding of the medical and pharmacological requirements that many people in Ukraine are in need of.

    When the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24th, 2022, Dr. Plotkina’s father, a surgeon, decided to stay in Kharkiv and continue to work at the local hospital to take care of the refugees who were seeking shelter in the basement of the hospital, as well as, treating local sick and injured people. He has been living at the hospital and managing the emergency department consistently from the beginning. Today, her father is continuing to selflessly serve people in need, stand his ground, and be a true patriot to his country.

    Inspired by her father’s bravery, Dr. Annya Plotkina wants to help the doctors, nurses, other health care providers, and people of Ukraine by joining The International Ukrainian Crisis Fund to facilitate in organizing medical drives and donations for IUCF.

  • Diana is the Director for Communications for the International Ukrainian Crisis Fund. Diana manage media, events, press engagements and social media for the International Ukrainian Crisis Fund.

    Diana was born in Kiev, Ukraine and has lived in Kyiv all her life. Since childhood, she has been fond of photography and has experience in the field of media, communications, photography and video editing. Diana's father is currently serving in the Army, and fighting on the front lines defending Ukraine.

 
  • Vitaly has years of experience in warehouse management and logistics. Previously he served in the Ukrainian Army in the ranks of the ZSU and fought on the front lines in eastern Ukraine.

    Vitaly is responsible for the receipt of all incoming aid. Vitaly manages all warehouses for the International Ukrainian Crisis Fund.Vitaly has years of experience in warehouse management and logistics. Previously he served in the Ukrainian Army in the ranks of the ZSU and fought on the front lines in eastern Ukraine.

    Vitaly is responsible for the receipt of all incoming aid. Vitaly manages all warehouses for the International Ukrainian Crisis Fund.

 
  • Elena is a Ukrainian certified account, and lawyer who has worked with dozens of non profit organizations and managing accounting and compliance. Elena has a dual Masters Degree in legal and economic studies.

    Elena's has previously worked as chief accountant in both trade union and party organizations. She has also held the role of financial director of a non profit organization. At the International Ukrainian Crisis Fund Elena is responsible for the legal registration of all cargo, accounting, and reporting of all nationally distributed aid.