Lunchtime Lecture – How Not to Flee a War

How Not to Flee a War is a compelling, real-life narrative that blends suspense, exclusive on-the-ground visuals, and unfiltered honesty.

Maria and Jez take audiences inside their chaotic journey out of Ukraine as war broke out – sharing what went wrong, what they’d do differently, and the surprising acts of kindness they found along the way.

It’s a human story that feels like a thriller or a gripping novel but it’s all true. It begins with a couple waking up to find their city bombed, and follows their terrifying, amateur attempt to reach safety. That mix of real-life drama, and relatable human struggle makes it engaging and accessible, even for people with no prior knowledge of Ukraine or war.

It’s the kind of story people want to hear: raw, emotional, real. Given from a relatable personal perspective, the talk centres around two ordinary people facing an extraordinary situation. It does not focus on politics or military strategy. This talk contains themes which may be distressing, recommended for ages 14+.

Maria Romanenko is a Ukrainian journalist and co-founder of All for Ukraine. Formerly editor-in-chief of Hromadske International, one of Ukraine’s best-known news organisations, she is the only Ukrainian to receive the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award. ‘Since relocating to the UK, Maria has focused on supporting displaced Ukrainians and raising awareness through talks, including the widely delivered ‘How NOT To Flee a War’. Her work bridges cultural understanding with practical support, advocacy for Ukraine, and helping Ukrainians navigate life abroad while preserving their identity. Maria has conducted over 1,000 mainstream media interviews since arriving in the UK and is a regular commentator across multiple national and international channels.

Jez Myers is a community champion and co-founder of All for Ukraine. One of only a handful of Manchester City Council’s prestigious ‘Pride of Manchester’ Award winners, he brings a dual background in business consultancy and civic engagement. After fleeing Ukraine with Maria Romanenko, Jez has advised both local and national bodies on supporting displaced Ukrainians, as well as providing assistance to a number of Ukrainian charities. When not working in support of Ukraine, Jez is chairperson for the Spirit of Manchester Awards, the largest voluntary sector awards in the Northwest of England.