BLITZ INTERVIEW: Roman Sheremeta - academic and influencer for Ukraine - "Russia must be defeated."

The economist from Western Ukraine - now teaching in the U.S. - only sees one way for the war to end; Russia defeated, Putin gone and Ukraine part of the EU and NATO.

Where are you from in Ukraine? And where are you now? What work are you doing?

Originally, I am from Ivano Frankivsk, Ukraine. I grew up there, in a Western Ukraine, going to school and getting my bachelors degree. In 2004, I moved to the U.S. Currently, I am in Cleveland, Ohio, working at the Case Western Reserve University as an economics professor. But I often travel to Ukraine. I am on the Board of Directors for UA House and Save Ukraine.

What kind of work/studies did you do previously in Ukraine?

I received a B.A. in economics and law from two Ukrainian universities. Right after graduation, I continued my studies in the U.S. In 2021, I went back to Ukraine to help open up the American University in Kyiv - we launched the university several weeks before the Russian full-scale invasion. Today, it is one of the best universities in Ukraine, ranked number 3 according to entrance exam scores.

(Roman with Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko at the American University in Kyiv)

How has the war changed your life? Changed you personally?

For me, the war started in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea and Eastern Ukraine. That's when some of my friends joined the army and went to defend Ukraine. However, it was still somewhat distant until the full-scale invasion in February 2022. That's when I really felt the pain of the Russian invasion; when I would learn that one of my friends died defending Ukraine, then another, and then another. I already lost three friends. The war made me realize how precious life is. It changed me. It made me see the world more black and white.

Much of my time is spent advocating for Ukraine both in person and on social media. Recently, I spoke at the European Parliament advocating more support for Ukraine. Also, I have been named by Favikon as one of the top 20 LinkedIn influencers of Ukraine in 2025.

(Roman Sheremeta in the European Parliament, Jan 2025, ’The Price of Weakness’)

What has surprised you most about Ukrainians these past couple of years? Good or bad?

I am inspired by Ukrainian people. It is truly a story of David versus Goliath, good versus evil.

What are your future plans?

I want for Ukraine to win and I want to be a part of rebuilding Ukraine and making it a wonderful and prosperous country. Currently, I am working with several think tanks on various plans of reconstruction and rebuilding our country.

How do you see the war ending and Ukraine returning to a ‘normal life’?

I see Russia defeated. Putin gone. Ukraine part of the EU and NATO. Some will say that it is not realistic at this point of time. Sure, there could be some temporary cease fire agreement. But Russia will only use it to prepare another offensive in 5-6 years. As I said earlier, the war has been going on since 2014. Russia used this time to build up strength and attacked in 2022. They will do it again. During the 300-year history between Russia and Ukraine, the Russians launched 24 wars! So, anyone who thinks that the ceasefire agreement would last, is either naive or doesn't want to learn from history.

Tell us one thing you don’t think people abroad know about Ukraine – but they really should?

Ukraine is the largest country in Europe.