From furniture to drones: Ukrainian designer leads charge against Russia

Before Russia's full-scale invasion, Iryna Terekh's life revolved around architecture and furniture design. Her Instagram page once showcased buildings, and her small business crafted outdoor furniture and decor. She collaborated with developers in Kyiv, viewing architecture as a way to connect people.

Now, at 34, Terekh is the CEO and chief technology officer of Fire Point, a defense company employing 7,000 people. The company's drones and long-range missiles are hitting targets across Russia, playing a significant role in Ukraine's defense. Terekh's transformation mirrors that of many Ukrainians who have shifted their skills to the war effort, from acrobatic pilots becoming military aviators to toy makers creating decoy weapons.

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I would never have gotten involved with weapons if my country had not been invaded.

Terekh's path took a dramatic turn after the February 2022 invasion. While attempting to evacuate her mother from near Bucha, their car was attacked by Russian snipers. This harrowing experience, in a region where Russian forces committed massacres, profoundly changed her. She founded an NGO for humanitarian aid to soldiers and her company, Terekh.Group, began producing concrete anti-tank fortifications. She also renounced Russian, her native language.

In late 2022, entrepreneur Denys Shtilierman, who had founded Fire Point to address the high cost of drones for the Ukrainian army, recruited Terekh as production director. Now, she travels to European defense forums, presenting Fire Point's advanced products, including air defense systems, drones, and a cruise missile named Flamingo. As one of the few women leading in Ukraine's male-dominated defense sector, Terekh aims to help create a future where Ukrainians can enjoy their cities without fear.

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I had a big dream: that the people of Kyiv, a city I love, and soon all other Ukrainian cities, would stop running around and enjoy the streets, shared spaces, and interact more.