She works at the heart of decision-making that shapes not only Ukraine’s future but also the new architecture of international law. Her day-to-day work lies at the intersection of diplomacy, politics and law, where every step carries strategic significance.
Iryna Mudra is Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and one of the key figures in processes relating to Russia’s international accountability, the creation of compensation mechanisms and the shaping of a global order based on justice.
In conversation with Business Woman, she discusses leadership in times of war, the power of decisions that cannot be postponed, the role of women in the transformation of the state, and Ukraine, which is already shaping the rules of the future world.
— You have made the transition from the banking sector to public service. What does it mean to you to be a female leader in politics?
For me, leadership has always been about the ability to make decisions in difficult situations and to take responsibility for them. My move from the private sector to public administration was a fully conscious decision. I wanted to apply my experience in a field where decisions affect not just a single company, but the development of the country.
Full-scale war has also changed the very perception of women’s roles in society. Ukrainian women today shoulder a huge share of the responsibility — in the army, medicine, diplomacy, business and public administration. And they do so with exceptional professionalism.
I am drawn to an approach that combines strength with humanity, and composure with the ability to listen to others.
— In your view, how does working in the business world differ fundamentally from working at the state level?
Business teaches speed, discipline and a focus on results. In the public sector, the scope of decision-making is much broader — one has to take security, international, social and political factors into account simultaneously. This is particularly true during a war.
Working at the state level requires great inner resilience. Often, results are not immediate, but it is precisely this systematic work that, over time, brings about strategic changes for the country.
— What values and personal principles guide you when making decisions in a time of war?
War very quickly puts everything into perspective. The superfluous falls away, whilst the sense of responsibility for every word and every decision becomes all the more acute.
For me, honesty, professionalism and the ability to think strategically remain important. Emotions can run high, but government decisions require a cool head and an understanding of the consequences for years to come.
Ukraine is currently going through a period that will shape its future for decades to come. That is precisely why it is important to maintain inner resilience and remember what you are working towards.
— You are overseeing one of the key areas — compensation for Ukraine’s losses. How did this initiative come about, and what stage is it at today?
At the start of the full-scale invasion, the world was mainly talking about sanctions and military aid. The issue of compensation and Russia’s liability seemed to many at the time to be too complex or even unrealistic.
Ukraine effectively became the country that began to establish a new international mechanism from scratch.
Today, the Register of Damages in The Hague is already operational, and new categories of claims are being opened for citizens, businesses and state institutions. At the same time, work is continuing on the establishment of an International Compensation Commission and mechanisms for utilising Russian assets.
Behind these legal processes lie the stories of millions of Ukrainians who have lost their homes, businesses, loved ones or the chance to live a normal life.
— Ukraine is also working to establish a Special Tribunal on Russia’s crime of aggression. How significant is this process for international law?
It seems to me that the world has not yet fully grasped the scale of what is currently unfolding. After the Second World War, it was the Nuremberg Tribunal that laid the foundations of international criminal law. Today, Ukraine, together with its partners, is involved in establishing a new mechanism to hold perpetrators accountable for the crime of aggression.
The decision to start the war was the root cause of all the subsequent tragedies — killings, deportations, the destruction of cities, and the abduction of children.
That is precisely why the issue of the tribunal is significant far beyond Ukraine’s borders. It will determine what the international rules will look like in the 21st century.
— What is the current stance of international partners regarding mechanisms for compensation and holding Russia to account?
In recent years, the partners’ stance has become significantly more resolute. Whereas previously there was much debate about whether it was even possible to establish such mechanisms, today the discussion centres on specific legal solutions, international agreements and practical implementation.
The world is increasingly realising that lasting peace cannot be built without justice. And Ukraine is setting an important international precedent in this regard.
— What are the key areas for which you are currently responsible at the Office of the President?
My work covers international law, legal and economic matters, coordinating efforts to hold Russia to account, establishing a compensation mechanism, working on the Special Tribunal, and liaising with international partners. All these areas are united by a single idea — establishing justice as the foundation for future security.
It is a very complex yet incredibly dynamic role, where every day I find myself working at the intersection of law, diplomacy and politics.
— How do you see the role of women in Ukraine’s recovery?
Ukrainian women have already become one of the country’s main pillars of strength. During the war, many took on responsibilities they had not previously been prepared for. Some started their own businesses, some became volunteers, and some took the lead on international projects or government initiatives.
I greatly value professional communities for women, where there is support, partnership and mutual trust. It is precisely such environments that are shaping a new culture of leadership in Ukraine.
— How important is it today to be part of professional or business associations?
A strong community always accelerates development. In today’s world, major changes come about through collaboration between people who share common values and are prepared to take responsibility for the outcome. Professional communities build trust, support new initiatives and help the country weather crises more quickly.
— How do you envisage Ukraine in 5–10 years’ time?
Ukraine will have a very strong voice on the international stage. The world is already looking at us differently — as a country capable of influencing global processes, rather than merely reacting to them. I believe in a Ukraine with a strong economy, a high level of trust in its institutions and a new culture of responsibility. And I very much hope that, after all these trials, we will preserve what matters most — respect for the individual, freedom and inner dignity.
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Photo: by Anna Tymoshok, from the archive of Iryna Mudra