Ukraine's Antarctic mission makes history with first female leader in 2025
Ukraine has launched its 31st Antarctic expedition, marking a new chapter for the Vernadsky Research Base. Olha Hanchuk now leads the mission as the first woman to oversee a full year of operations at the station. The team's work continues despite the ongoing challenges of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Vernadsky Research Base, Ukraine's only Antarctic station, was originally a British facility. Acquired for a symbolic £1 in 1996, it was renamed to honour scientist Volodymyr Vernadsky. Before the war, the base served as a key centre for polar research, with teams studying biology, geophysics, and meteorology.
The 31st Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition began in March 2025 under Hanchuk's leadership. Her team will focus on geophysics, meteorology, and biology while ensuring the base remains operational. The mission maintains Ukraine's long-standing record of continuous Antarctic observations, often described as 'measuring the pulse' of the planet. Ukraine's Antarctic presence holds both geographical and scientific importance. Even during the war, the country has kept its research active. Notably, 31 scientists from the base previously joined the Armed Forces, earning the nickname 'Military Penguins'.
The expedition will run for a full year, reinforcing Ukraine's commitment to polar science. Hanchuk's leadership and the team's research will contribute to ongoing studies in one of Earth's most remote regions. The base remains a vital asset for Ukraine, even amid the pressures of conflict.
