Anait Khoperia Steps In as Acting Head of Ukraine’s Disinformation Defense Center Starting October 1, 2026

Anait Khoperia Takes Charge

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On October 1, 2026, Anait Khoperia assumed the role of acting director at Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). This leadership change followed Andriy Kovalenko’s departure on September 28, 2026, who had held the position since January 2024. Khoperia brings extensive expertise in law, public administration, and combating information threats.

Education and Career Background

Khoperia is a trained lawyer, having graduated with honors from the Faculty of Law at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in 2015 with a Master’s degree in law. She earned her Candidate of Legal Sciences degree in 2023 after defending her dissertation at the F. G. Burchak Research Institute of Private Law and Entrepreneurship, part of the National Academy of Legal Sciences of Ukraine.

Her professional journey includes roles in various government bodies:

• 2015–2016: Assisted an international expert at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, supported by the British Embassy.
• 2018–2019: Served as chief specialist in the Ministry of Justice’s Department of International Disputes.
• 2019–2020: Worked as a state inspector in the Legal Support Department of Ukraine’s State Tax Service.
• 2020–2021: Managed international relations within the Information Policy and Public Relations Department at Ukrainian Railways (AT Ukrzaliznytsia).

Khoperia joined the NSDC’s Center for Countering Disinformation in June 2021, initially managing international cooperation. She later became deputy director and led the Department for Combating Information Threats to National Security. Her development includes participation in programs by the Aspen Institute Kyiv, Total Defence, and the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

Reflecting on his resignation, Andriy Kovalenko stated: 'It’s time for me to move forward.'

Khoperia now undertakes a vital role in Ukraine’s fight against disinformation, a challenge of growing importance amid evolving security threats. Her legal and administrative background is expected to enhance the Center’s effectiveness in this critical domain.

The appointment of Khoperia as acting head marks a significant milestone in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to confront information warfare, an issue that has intensified in the context of current regional conflicts. Her leadership is anticipated to strengthen the Center’s strategic response to these challenges.

As disinformation remains a major threat to national stability, the Center for Countering Disinformation plays a crucial role in safeguarding Ukraine’s security. Khoperia’s leadership signals a continued commitment to adapt and intensify efforts against misinformation campaigns, supporting resilience amid a complex information landscape.

As Anait Khoperia takes on her new responsibilities, it's essential to reflect on the leadership transition at the Center for Countering Disinformation. The departure of Andriy Kovalenko after three years has set the stage for a new strategic direction in Ukraine's fight against misinformation. Understanding the context of this shift can provide valuable insights into the ongoing challenges in the information landscape.