Dr Ilona Khmeleva

Dr. Ilona Khmeleva, Secretary of the Economic Security Council of Ukraine

Ilona is an international lawyer and researcher specializing in global security. With extensive experience in both analytical and advocacy work, her focus includes countering economic and cyber aggression, shaping international legal accountability mechanisms, and strengthening democratic governance. She has contributed to academic and policy discourse through numerous publications and expert engagements worldwide. Ilona obtained the PhD degree at the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. She graduated from the leadership program on sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine at Harvard University, studied course on digital policy and cyber warfare at Manchester Metropolitan University, and researched the international legal responsibility of Russia at the University of Toronto. She actively collaborates with international organizations, expert networks, and educational initiatives. Her background also includes significant engagement in parliamentary and constitutional reforms in Ukraine, combining affiliations with government institutions and prominent civil society organizations.