Famous Ukrainian Women

The quintessential action heroine of Hollywood, Milla Jovovich was rightly called the reigning queen of kick-butt by VH1 in 2006. Milla Jovovich is synonymous with the Resident Evil film series as the series revolves around its central character Alice, played by Milla. The Resident Evil film franchise is the highest-grossing movie series to be adapted from video games.

Though born a normal child, Ukrainian woman Oxana Malaya was later neglected by her family and grew up a feral child surrounded by dogs. She was a little over 7 when she was found by authorities. She later underwent therapy and was also the subject of a documentary.

A pioneer of abstract art and Orphism, French artist Sonia Delaunay was the first living female to have an exhibition at the Louvre Museum. Her art extended to stage sets, pottery, and fabrics. She and her husband, Robert Delaunay, collaborated on various public projects, including murals.

Anna Muzychuk is a Ukrainian chess player who became only the fourth woman in the history of chess to achieve a FIDE rating of 2600 or more. Muzychuk, who attained the Grandmaster title in 2012, is a three-time fast chess world champion. 

The feisty Orange Revolution leader Yulia Tymoshenko became Ukraine’s first lady prime minister in 2005 and was back in power from 2007 to 2010. She made her signature blonde ponytail, sometimes worn in a crown-shaped braid, a fashion statement. Tymoshenko was on Forbes’s list of the world’s most powerful women.

Oleksandra Nikolayenko is a Ukrainian actress and model. Regarded as the doyen of beauty pageants in Ukraine, Oleksandra has won the most number of beauty awards in Ukraine. She also participated in Miss World 2001 and Miss Universe 2004, representing Ukraine. She currently serves as the Miss Ukraine Universe pageant's National Director Chairman.

Anna Bessonova is a former individual rhythmic gymnast who represented Ukraine in several important events like the Olympics and World Championships. One of the most celebrated rhythmic gymnasts from Ukraine, Bessonova has two Olympic bronze medals, five World Championship gold medals, and three European Championship gold medals under her belt. Over the years, she has also participated in charity projects.