Pavlo Barbul: a biography of a lawyer, human rights activist and a public figure

Pavlo Balbul stands out as a dynamic figure in Ukrainian law, entrepreneurship and social impact. Born in Odessa on January 29, 1987, Barbul has achieved remarkable results in the fields of outstanding professional work, advocacy and philanthropy. He has served in a wide range of roles, from legal counsel to leading major corporate initiatives, and has always demonstrated a commitment to promoting positive change. Alongside his extraordinary achievements, Barbul’s dedication to humanitarian work in times of crisis reflects his true colors as a compassionate and proactive leader. Let us explore the extraordinary story of Pavlo Barbul, an advocate, innovator and humanitarian.

Pavlo Barbul, Ukrainian human rights activist, statesman, and public figure; former Director of the State Enterprise “Specialized Technical Export”. Here is what’s known about him.

Origins, Birthplace and Education

Pavlo Barbul was born in the city of Odessa on January 29, 1987.

Father – Oleksiy Pavlovych Barbul, mother – Karina Robertivna Atanasyan.

In 2003, Pavlo completed his studies at Lawrence High School (USA) under the FLEX program.

In 2007, he graduated from the Ukrainian State University of Finance and International Trade with a qualification in “Master of International Law.” Additionally, during his university studies, Pavlo Barbul obtained certification as an expert in the Ukrainian stock market.

In 2017, Barbul earned an MBA degree from Kyiv-Mohyla Business School. In 2021, he defended his Ph.D. dissertation in the field of law at the Koretsky Institute of State and Law of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

In 2021, he also became a graduate of the Aspen Institute Kyiv under the “Business and Society” program.

Pavlo Barbul’s Main Areas of Activity and Professional Achievements:

• Lawyer, expert in investments, defense, and security;
• Entrepreneur;
• Ph.D. holder (PhD);
• Former Director of the State Enterprise “Specialized Technical Export”;
• Former Director of the Asset Management Department of the SC “Ukroboronprom”;
• Active member of the supervisory board of the investment fund “Absolute”;
  Vice President of the international charity fund Save Home.

Career of Pavlo Barbul

In 2006, Pavlo Barbul began his professional career as a legal consultant at LLC “Trading House “Ukrsilgospmash”. In 2007, he continued his work at the law firm “Arzinger and Partners” as a junior lawyer.

From 2010 to 2012, Pavlo Barbul served as the head of the debt collection department at Swedbank. During his time at the bank, under Barbul’s leadership, decisions were made in 100 court cases related to debt collection.

In 2012, Barbul founded his own law firm “Vox Legum,” which demonstrated rapid growth in a short period. In 2013, “Vox Legum” reached the finals of the “Discovery of the Year” nomination (according to the publication “Legal Practice”) as the fastest-growing company in the field of legal services.

As his business grew, Pavlo Barbul continued his academic work as a senior researcher at the Center for International Relations and World Economy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. He also served as a member of the expert group of the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine.

In 2014, after the Revolution of Dignity, Pavlo Barbul became an advisor to the CEO of the state concern “Ukroboronprom” on security matters. In one year as an advisor, he prepared and submitted materials to Ukrainian courts regarding 30 violations in the defense sector. Later, Barbul became the Director of the Asset Management Department of the SC “Ukroboronprom.”

In 2015, Pavlo Barbul took on the position of Director of the state-owned enterprise “Specialized Technical Export,” becoming the youngest leader in its history. In a short period, Barbul successfully established productive relationships with partners in the defense industry from the USA, Canada, India, UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Algeria, Egypt, and European countries.

Barbul coordinated the export of aviation equipment, precision weaponry, and actively supported the advancement of startup projects in Ukraine. He particularly supported and assisted companies developing unmanned reconnaissance systems and devices. In June 2018, Pavlo Barbul’s contract with “Specialized Technical Export” expired, and he stepped down from his position as Director.

Currently, Pavlo Barbul works as a lawyer and is a member of the supervisory board of the investment fund “Absolute.” In June 2022, he was appointed Vice President of the international charity fund Save Home. His contribution to the fund’s activities was recognized by Vice President of the European Commission, Valdis Dombrovskis.

Additionally, Barbul serves as an expert in the development of the defense industry, strategic industries, and international trade. He consistently outlines pathways for the recovery and development of production, the export of military products, technologies, and has even formulated his own strategy for the development of the defense industry.

Following the full-scale armed invasion by the Russian Federation into Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Pavlo Barbul is engaged in volunteer and humanitarian activities, both personally and within the business community. His proactive stance has earned him numerous acknowledgments, certificates, and awards.

In June 2022, Pavlo Barbul was awarded an Order by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and in the summer of 2023, he received gratitude from the national specialized children’s clinic “Okhmatdyt,” where he assisted in renovating a bomb shelter. Throughout 2022-2023, Pavlo Barbul’s contribution to strengthening the country’s defense capability and supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine was recognized by numerous military units and territorial defense units. Barbul played a direct role in organizing military-technical assistance to Ukraine from Canada. He facilitated the delivery of 200 Roshel Senator armored vehicles, one of which was chosen as the command vehicle of the Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valeriy Zaluzhnyy.

According to declarations, Pavlo Barbul owns:

• An apartment in Odessa (51 square meters, valued at 736,591 Ukrainian hryvnias);
• An apartment in Kyiv (81 square meters, valued at 2,022,022 Ukrainian hryvnias);
• A 2013 MERCEDES-BENZ GL 350 CDI 4 MATIC car without an appraised value; the market value of such a car ranges from $30,000 to $45,000.