An official presentation of the acting rector took place at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

In accordance with an order from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, as of 30 April 2026, the duties of Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv have been entrusted to Valerii Kopiika — Director of the Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations, Doctor of Political Science, Professor.

Mykola Trofimenko, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, introduced the acting rector, Valerii Kopiika, to the university community and emphasised that the University is currently undergoing an election process fraught with many challenges and attracting significant public attention.

‘The Red Building is a symbol of our higher education. That is why it is important for the Ministry of Education and Science, as it is for all of you, to preserve the name, continuity and pace of development of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. I am confident that Valerii Volodymyrovych will ensure all these processes and, given his diplomatic experience, will be able to overcome all the challenges facing the University,” noted the Deputy Minister.

Mykola Trofimenko emphasised the importance of maintaining stability within the staff and ensuring the University’s uninterrupted operation during the pre-election period. He also expressed confidence that Valerii Kopiika’s managerial experience would enable the election process to be conducted responsibly and within the law.

In his speech, Valerii Kopiika expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and outlined his key priorities:

• conducting the rector’s election as transparently and objectively as possible
• involving the entire university community in this process
• ensuring the university continues to operate smoothly
• organising high-quality graduation and admissions campaigns.

In addition, Valerii Volodymyrovych emphasised the importance of optimising the rectorate’s staffing structure, as well as forming a management team across five areas instead of nine.

Mykola Pogoretskyi – Doctor of Law, Professor of the Department of Criminal Procedure and Criminology, who held the post of Vice-Rector for Research and Teaching from 2021 to 2026 – has been appointed First Vice-Rector.

The vice-rectors include:

• Oksana Zhilinska – Doctor of Economics, Professor of the Department of Innovation and Investment Management
• Andrii Gozyk – Candidate of Geological Sciences, Associate Professor
• Vadym Popko – Doctor of Law, Professor of the Department of Comparative and European Law
• Oleksandr Rozhko – Doctor of Economics, Professor of the Department of Finance

“Our task is not to halt any of the processes already underway at the University. We must preserve and strengthen existing structures and ensure the continuity of our work,” said Valerii Kopiika.

We wish Valery Vladimirovich every success in achieving his objectives, effective management decisions and fruitful work for the benefit of the university community.