What's it like being an ambassador in Ukraine during the war? A chat with Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc

What's it like being an ambassador in Ukraine during the war? A chat with Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc

Author: Mark McNamee July 3, 2025 Duration: 43:07
Not many people know Canada has one of the largest Ukrainian populations abroad. And this fact has helped make Canada one of the most supportive countries of Ukraine in the Western world.  To understand the strong level of engagement Canada has here on the ground in Ukraine, I had the pleasure of having a very engaging discussion with Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc, whose positivity and vibrance was thoroughly inspiring.  Ambassador Natalka Cmoc, Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine. Amb. Cmoc was appointed Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine in August 2023. Earlier, she completed field research in Ukraine and Russia, including implementing Canadian technical assistance projects in Ukraine in the 1990s. She served as a counsellor for technical cooperation at the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine from 2011 to 2013, working on democracy and human rights programming. She then joined Global Affairs Canada’s Stabilization and Reconstruction Task Force, where she was responsible for establishing the first security programming in Ukraine following Russia’s 2014 invasion. In 2015, she moved to the Department of National Defence and, in 2020, she became director general in the Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch at Public Services and Procurement Canada. Amb. Cmoc covered loads of topics, from what it's like operating an embassy in Ukraine during the war, to various programs Canada is involved with beyond defense, to women entrepreneurship and women's critical role in the economy at this difficult time. Here is a link to the fashion brand of Ukrainian clothing started by the Ukrainian woman entrepreneur mentioned in the podcast - https://www.instagram.com/svilamiya/ They ship abroad to please have a look! To learn more, visit: https://ubn.network/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/Mark-McNamee/

We are living through events that will define our century, and History in the Making: The War in Ukraine is an attempt to make sense of them as they unfold. Host Mark McNamee brings his deep knowledge of Eastern Europe to the fore, not just to recount headlines, but to untangle the complex historical, cultural, and political threads that led to this moment. This isn't a dry recitation of facts; it's a grounded exploration of how a conflict reshapes a nation's identity and the global order. Each episode moves between the sweeping strategic picture and the intimate, human stories of those living through the war, highlighting a profound resilience. You'll hear analysis that connects past empires to present-day battles, and conversations that reveal the personal cost and extraordinary fortitude within Ukraine. The goal of this podcast is to provide context and clarity, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond the news cycle. By focusing on the people, the history, and the on-the-ground reality, Mark creates a vital record of a world changing in real time. Tune in for a thoughtful, comprehensive guide to understanding not just what is happening, but why it matters for all of us.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 79

History in the Making: The War in Ukraine
Podcast Episodes
The latest from the front - a conversation with a military expert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:56
What is the outlook for Russia's current offensive? Can the front be stabilized in the coming months? And if US support is stopped, what happens with Starlink and air defense? Will European support be adequate? Ukraine's…
He signed up to be a Storm Trooper at the front [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:47
Angel, soldier of the Ukraine Foreign Legion. Rest of his profile is unavailable in order to protect his and his family's identity. Storm troopers fulfill what are assuredly the most dangerous and difficult tasks of anyb…
A conversation with Dr. Radchenko on the ongoing talks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:55
Please note that this episode was recorded on Saturday March 22, before ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia As we enter talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine (potentially among others), its worth stepping back and unders…