In the summer of 2026, Russia targeted the Ukrainian book industry in three major strikes—burning down one of Ukraine’s largest book markets at Kyiv's Pochaina district,...
Maria Zhartovska
CEO
I was born in Zaporizhzhia and later moved to Kyiv, where I spent about 15 years covering Ukrainian politics. I was a journalist at Focus, Novoe Vremya, Ukrainska Pravda, Forbes, and Babel and was a finalist in the Honour of the Profession and PRESSzvanie journalism awards.
For nearly a year after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I stayed in Kyiv, continuing my work. Eventually, I found myself in Canada—a country I had never planned to move to but one I am endlessly grateful for.
I completed post-graduate studies in Project Management and Storytelling at the University of Toronto, and Content Marketing at York University. While searching for a job in Canada, I was approached by an investor from Ukraine who believed in me and my vision. I co-founded the Yellow Blue Business Platform, where I’ve built a team of incredibly talented Ukrainians who inspire me daily by achieving what may seem impossible.
My goal is to help the world better understand Ukrainians, support the growth of Ukrainian businesses abroad, and ensure we all keep moving forward together.
Publications of the author
On August 15, 2026, artist Daria Alyoshkina died in Ukraine. She was remembered around the world as one of the most prominent masters of vytynanka. It is a traditional form...
Olia Hercules is a Ukrainian chef. She is 42 years old and has lived in London for more than 20 years. Olia is the author of six cookbooks and writes about food for BBC ...
Scientist and human rights activist Alexandra Alissa Novitchkova is 46 years old. She graduated from the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (KMA) and pursued postgraduate studies. In 2005,...
Galyna Solovei is 47 years old. She studied philosophy, took part in reforming Ukraine’s education system, trained in international development policy in South Korea, and...
Olena Rozvadovska and Azad Safarov founded the Voices of Children foundation after working on the film A House Made of Splinters about a children’s shelter in ...
Pamela Trishchuk is a Ukrainian Canadian born in Saskatchewan who later moved to Alberta. Fascinated by history since childhood, she originally wanted to become a teacher....
In global markets, Ukraine is sometimes associated with raw materials, but even during the full-scale war, Ukrainian businesses are creating modern products. According to ...
