Popularity is only one component of influence. The true influencers of the new generation are those who combine professionalism, civic stance, cultural strength and personal responsibility. These are the heroes of the rating "TOP 50 influential influencers of Ukraine - 2025", which was compiled by experts of the rating agency "ElitExpert" and the International Expert Club. In times of great war, they become the voices of the nation: in the trenches, on screens, on TikTok, from the rostrums of parliament, in university auditoriums, in hospitals, and live on air.
This year, we brought together representatives from a wide range of backgrounds—from poets and financiers to Instagram creators and assault brigade commanders—to capture the most powerful cross-section of Ukrainian influence. They inspire, change, open new meanings, and keep the country in good shape.
This is just a rating, but a social project designed to show influencers as strong brands, give them new growth points, partners - new audiences, and Ukraine and Odessa - a new force of influence.
Category: Media and Communications
In times of war, it was journalists, publicists, and bloggers who became the main bearers of truth, verifiers of reality, and information warriors. In 2025, among the influential influencers of the media sphere are those who not only record history, but also shape it in front of millions.
Mykhailo Tkach — the country's chief investigator
Ukrainska Pravda investigative journalist Mykhailo Tkach remains a unique voice in exposing political corruption, abuses, and conspiracies that would otherwise remain hidden from society. In 2024–2025, his high-profile investigations into elites, state institutions, and law enforcement agencies had a direct public impact, including official investigations and personnel decisions.
Tkach's specialty is his ability to remain impartial, work "on the edge" and at the same time maintain the trust of a large audience. His stories combine deep factuality, drama, and a high level of source security. In 2025, he is an opinion leader, an influencer who affects the political climate of the country.
Yuriy Butusov — editor on the front lines
The editor-in-chief of "Censor.NET" Yuriy Butusov continues to combine the profession of a military journalist and an active commentator on the defense policy of Ukraine. In 2025, Butusov again and again appears not only in broadcast studios, but also on the front line, shooting unique footage, publishing analytics from the scene of events, and conducting a dialogue with military personnel and experts.
His materials are a bridge between the front and the rear, between reality and political decisions. Butusov not only informs - he shapes the agenda, raises difficult topics, asks uncomfortable questions, and influences personnel and strategic decisions in the security sector.
This category includes:
- Denis Bigus — founder of Bihus.Info, whose team continues to systematically fight corruption at all levels.
- Dmitry Gordon — a blogger and TV presenter whose audience numbers in the millions maintains resonance and influence.
- Pavel Kazarin — a TV presenter, publicist, and military serviceman who embodies the new journalistic ethics of wartime.
- Maksym Lavrynenko — founder of the Telegram channel "Trukha Ukraine", one of the most influential news aggregators in the country.
- Alla Mazur — TV journalist, the face of Ukrainian news for over two decades.
- Vitaly Portnikov — a profound analyst and commentator on political processes, the voice of Ukrainian journalism.
- Yanina Sokolova — a journalist and blogger who influences not only the media, but also socially, through projects supporting cancer patients and veterans.
Category: Education and Science
In 2025, in the context of war and information challenges, a special role will be played by those who shape critical thinking, popularize science, and support educational initiatives. Among the influential influencers in this area are Artem Albul and Olga Bilokon, who combine scientific activity with an active public position.
Artem Albul — "The Damned Rationalist"
Artem Albul, known under the pseudonym "The Damned Rationalist", is one of the most popular Ukrainian popular science bloggers. His YouTube channel is dedicated to debunking myths, pseudoscientific claims, and promoting critical thinking. In 2025, he continues to actively create content aimed at raising scientific awareness among Ukrainians.
In addition to his video blog, Artem participates in various educational events, in particular, in the program "Cultural Instinct", where he discusses issues of pseudoscience and critical thinking. His activities contribute to the formation of a conscious and informed society capable of resisting information manipulation.
Olga Bilokon — researcher of military psychology
Olga Bilokon is a researcher specializing in the psychological aspects of interpersonal interactions between military personnel. Her research analyzes factors that affect combat readiness and mental well-being of military personnel, particularly in combat situations. Her work is important for understanding and improving the psychological climate in the army.
Olga also participates in scientific conferences and seminars dedicated to current issues of education and science in Ukraine. Her contribution to the development of psychological science and support for the military deserves recognition and respect.
Category: Sports
Oleksandr Usyk — absolute champion and national symbol
In 2025, Oleksandr Usyk not only retains his status as the absolute world heavyweight champion, but also remains one of the most influential influencers in Ukraine. His victories in the ring have become a symbol of invincibility and national pride.
In addition to his sporting achievements, Usyk actively supports the Ukrainian military and participates in charitable initiatives aimed at helping the army and war victims. His activities go beyond sports, making him a true thought leader and moral authority for millions of Ukrainians.
In the category "Culture and art» undoubtedly occupies an important place Serhiy Zhadan — poet, musician, translator, public figure and military officer
In June 2024, Zhadan voluntarily joined the ranks of the 13th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine "Charter", where he currently serves in the unit of military-civilian cooperation and information support of the headquarters. His role in the brigade goes beyond standard duties: he is actively involved in communication, organizes cultural events and concerts, supports the fighting spirit of his comrades, and at the same time remains the voice of Ukrainian culture at the front.
Despite his service, Zhadan continues to create: his poems and songs are heard in bomb shelters, on the front lines, and in the rear, inspiring thousands of Ukrainians.
Category: War and Patriotism
Mykola Serga — a cultural diplomat on the front lines
Mykola Serga, a famous Ukrainian musician and TV presenter, became a symbol of cultural resistance with the outbreak of full-scale war. In 2022, he joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where he initiated the "Cultural Landing" project, uniting artists to support the fighting spirit of the military. His activities are not limited to the front: in December 2024, Serga was appointed a freelance advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, promoting cultural diplomacy in the international arena.
Valery Marcus — the voice of reforms in the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Valeriy Markus, a veteran of the war in eastern Ukraine, writer and blogger, is known for his active position on the reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In 2022, he became the chief sergeant of the 47th separate mechanized brigade "Magura", where he worked on the implementation of new standards of management and training of military personnel. After his dismissal from this position in July 2023, Markus continued his service in another unit, focusing on analytical and educational activities.
This category also includes:
- Stanislav Bunyatov (Osman) — the commander of the 24th OSHB “Aidar” detachment, the author of the Telegram channel “The Sniper Speaks”. His front-line diaries, full of black humor, pain, and truth, are read by tens of thousands of subscribers. Osman has become a symbol of an honest soldier without decorations.
- Nazar Grabar — a dancer, actor, and volunteer who has been involved in humanitarian aid and fundraising for the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the first days of the war. Thanks to his activity on social media, the topic of helping the front remains in the focus of the youth audience.
- Maxim Zhorin ("Mose") — Major of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, former commander of the Azov Regiment. Today he is actively engaged in analytical and public activities, often comments on military events, and participates in strategic discussions on defense and reforms.
- Daniel Salem — a restaurateur and TV presenter who served in the TRO unit from the first days of the war. Currently, he actively volunteers, leads public fundraising campaigns, and appears on the air, promoting topics of support for the army.
- Andriy Khlyvnyuk — the frontman of the band "Boombox", who voluntarily joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. His song based on the folk song "Oh, the red viburnum in the meadow" became a symbol of resistance. Khlyvnyuk combines music and service, creating songs even at the front.
- Anatoly Stefan (Stirlitz) — Colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, blogger and spokesman, who has been fighting on the information front for many years. His operational reports, memes and analytics have become part of the daily information life of Ukrainians.
- Danylo Shcherbakov — founder of the NGO HELPER Ukraine, one of the most active volunteers in the country. Shcherbakov provides the military with everything from drones to medicines, and actively works in the rear and on the front lines.
Category: Politics
In times when war demands quick decisions and society demands new thought leaders, political influence extends beyond parliament and parties. In 2025, political influencers include both professional politicians and those who shape the agenda through public activism and the media.
Mariana Bezugla — the voice of frontline control in politics
A member of the Ukrainian parliament from the Servant of the People party, Maryana Bezugla has become one of the most prominent faces of defense sector reforms in recent years. Her active participation in the work of the parliamentary committee on national security, trips to the front, and open discussions with military personnel and experts have cemented her image as a politician who is not afraid of hot topics and conflicts.
In 2025, Bezugla continues to be active not only in parliament, but also on social media, where she openly responds to military-political challenges and attempts at manipulation. Despite the ambiguous public perception, her influence on discussions about the army, mobilization, and military reforms is difficult to overestimate.
Sergey Prytula — people's volunteer and politician
Former TV presenter and showman, Serhiy Prytula has transformed into a large-scale political influencer and public figure. His eponymous charitable foundation has become one of the most effective volunteer structures in Ukraine during two years of full-scale war, providing the military with equipment, communications, and drones.
In 2025, Prytula is not a member of parliament, but his word carries a weight that official politicians do not always have. He openly expresses his position on domestic policy, supports candidates in local elections, and shapes public opinion on key reforms. His media presence and the trust of citizens allow us to speak of him as a new type of political leader.
Also included in the "Politics" category are:
- Borislav Bereza — a political blogger and public activist who sharply comments on the actions of the authorities on his social networks;
- Oleksiy Goncharenko — MP from the European Solidarity Party, known for his international activism and his own YouTube channel;
- Mykola Davydiuk — political scientist and author of resonant books on propaganda and country development strategies;
- Igor Lachenkov — the author of the Telegram channel "Lachen writes", which became one of the most cited sources during the war;
- Serhiy Sternenko — a public figure and blogger who consistently focuses on the topics of justice, the fight against collaborators, and government transparency.
They are all part of a new political culture, where the line between politician, activist, and opinion leader is gradually disappearing.
Category: Business
Oleg Horokhovskyi — fintech leader of the new era
Monobank co-founder Oleg Horohovskyi retains his status as one of the most influential entrepreneurs in Ukraine in 2024–2025. His team not only maintains its position as the country's most successful neobank, but also expands the fintech ecosystem: in 2024, the market by mono marketplace was launched, which quickly gathered thousands of partners.
In April 2025, Gorohovsky, together with Mykhailo Rogalsky, increased his stake in Fintech Band, the company behind monobank technologies. In addition to business, he is actively involved in supporting the army, in particular, in a large-scale procurement for FPV drones.
Gorokhovsky is a symbol of the combination of technological breakthrough, social responsibility, and stable business thinking in times of war.
Category: Celebrities
Katerina Osadcha — the face of the secular front
In 2025, Kateryna Osadcha is not just the host of the legendary “Svitsky Zhyttya”, but also a symbol of the resilience of the Ukrainian cultural scene. From the first days of the full-scale war, she transformed the format of her program, opening up space for the stories of volunteers, military personnel and artists who hold the information and humanitarian front. Osadcha became one of the first public figures to systematically cover the efforts of the home front, as well as coordinate assistance for children and women who lost their homes due to the war.
Her recognition, audience trust, and social media activity have made Osadcha an important voice in public discourse — on the border of show business, volunteerism, and civic leadership.
Also included in the "Celebrity" category are:
- Andriy Bednyakov — a TV presenter who turned his social media into a platform for helping the army and displaced people.
- Nadia Dorofeeva — an artist who combines creativity, fashion, and active volunteer work.
- Maria Efrosinina — UN ambassador, presenter and public figure with a clear position in support of women and children during war.
- Tina Karol — a singer who organizes charity concerts and actively helps Ukrainian hospitals.
- Monatic — an artist who rethinks creativity in times of war, supports youth, and takes part in humanitarian initiatives.
- Lesya Nikityuk — a TV presenter with an audience of millions, who systematically covers topics of war and assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
- Olya Polyakova — a singer who speaks openly about the war and participates in charity projects.
- alyona alyona (Alyona Savranenko) — a rap artist who combines music with social messages, supports mental health and education projects.
All of these stars are not just on stage or screen — they have turned their popularity into a tool for influencing, helping, and mobilizing Ukrainian society.
Category: Creative
There are many bright personalities in this category, such as Taras Nesterenko — one of the most recognizable Ukrainian bloggers, who has turned everyday life into a source of inspiration for hundreds of thousands of subscribers. It is not for nothing that he is called "the best salesman in the country."
Taras' humorous and life-like videos on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook regularly gain millions of views.
He combines sincerity, acting talent and a flair for topical topics, thanks to which he became a real phenomenon in the Ukrainian digital space. His content is a mix of self-irony, motivation and short stories in which everyone can recognize themselves. According to the blogger, the main goal is to show that the life of a Ukrainian, despite the difficulties, can be fun, deep and worthy of attention.
Oleksiy Durnev — the ironic voice of the new era
In 2025, Oleksiy Durnev remains one of the most influential representatives of Ukrainian digital creativity. His trademark irony, accurate observations, and ability to work with trends have allowed him to turn satire into a tool of national self-defense. The YouTube project “Durnev watches stories” continues to be one of the most popular in Ukraine, and new formats, including analytical reviews, are already going beyond the entertainment genre.
Durnev actively works with the topics of war, information hygiene, and propaganda, showing how humor can be a weapon. His content is both light and profound, which is why he has become a true influencer of a new type: entertaining, socially useful, and politically apt.
Also included in the category:
- Dmytro Varvaruk — co-founder of the Ukrainian-language YouTube project "Silrada", which combines humor, satire, and music.
- Alena Sokolova (Alena Venum) — a popular content creator who is rethinking her platform through the prism of war, supporting Ukrainian culture, and adapting global influencer content to Ukrainian realities.
Category: Lifestyle
Anastasia Arbuzova — an influencer who creates a lifestyle in times of war
This is one of the brightest lifestyle bloggers in Ukraine, who in 2024–2025 managed to combine the aesthetics of everyday life with the new reality of life during the war. Her content on Instagram and TikTok is more than beautiful shots: it is a reflection of inner strength, adaptation and love for oneself and one's country. Arbuzova raises topics of mental health, female self-realization, life in the rear and support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while maintaining lightness, sincerity and a sense of proportion.
Her audience is hundreds of thousands of followers who trust her as a friend and inspiration. In 2025, she is included in the list of influencers who shape not only tastes, but also a new culture of everyday Ukrainian life.
Also included in the category:
- Yulia Verbynets (Verba) — a lifestyle blogger who turned her page into a space of female support, beauty, and motivation.
- Darya Pazyuk (Baba Dasha) — an influencer with a special sense of humor who shows everyday life, volunteering, and war through the prism of sincere, folk wisdom.
Kategorіya: Entertainment
Candy Superstar (Natalia Vuglitska) — one of the brightest stars of the Ukrainian digital world, combining provocation, humor, visual expressiveness, and hyper-creativity. Her name has become synonymous with viral content: she set a national record, collecting over 350 million views on a single video, and a total of over 5 billion views on social networks.
Previously, Vuglytska was the vocalist of showman Serhiy Pastukh's Ukrainian People band, hosted the author's show "Candy at Negotiations", where she communicated with politicians, organized parties, produced beauty contests for children, and starred in the project "Goddess of Shopping" on the TET TV channel. Back in 2019, her Instagram account had over 600 thousand subscribers.
Off stage, Candy demonstrates a clear civic stance — she donated a car for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and received official thanks from the special unit of the GUR MOU "Kraken". Her activities are a mix of show, activism, and great audience loyalty, which makes her an undisputed leader in the entertainment industry.
Rating “TOP 50 influential influencers of Ukraine” — is part of a large study of the country's digital space, which will conclude on June 19 in Odessa in the format of White Influence Night — a large collaboration of bloggers, a platform of the future, where horizontal connections are formed between people who have influence — not only digital, but also social, cultural. That is why the voices of bloggers determine the face of modern Ukraine.
Olena Ovchinnikova
Project Manager, Founder of the ElitExpert Rating Agency
