Oksana Grigorieva: New Role & Controversies Explored

Percival Roob 06 May 2025

Has Oksana Grigorieva, a name often associated with both public service and personal controversy, truly found her calling? This is a woman whose life has been a tapestry woven with threads of activism, artistic expression, and high-profile relationships, and now she's tasked with shaping gender strategy within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

On January 26, 2025, the announcement of Oksana Grigorieva's appointment as a gender advisor within the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) sparked renewed interest. This role, as confirmed by the Ukrainian General Staff, places her at the helm of developing a comprehensive gender strategy and facilitating crucial coordination between the various branches of the armed forces and the Ministry of Defense. This is not her first foray into this domain. Previously, Grigorieva served as a gender advisor to the AFU Ground Forces Command, where she spearheaded initiatives that garnered significant attention.

Category	Details
Full Name	Oksana Petrovna Grigorieva (born Oksana Petrovna Chernukha)
Date of Birth	February 23, 1970
Place of Birth	Saransk, Mordovian ASSR, Russia
Known For	Singer, Songwriter, Pianist, Activist, Gender Advisor
Career Highlights	Gender Advisor to the AFU Ground Forces Command Appointment as Gender Advisor to the Ukrainian Armed Forces Songwriter: "Un Dia Llegara" (2006), featured on Josh Groban's album
Personal Life	Relationship with actor Timothy Dalton Relationship with actor Mel Gibson (with whom she has a daughter, Lucia)
Controversies	Legal battles and settlement with Mel Gibson Loss of a significant portion of settlement funds due to leaks
Estimated Net Worth (as of 2025)	Approximately $500,000
Reference	Wikipedia

Grigorieva's previous role, which thrust her into the public eye, was marked by her vocal advocacy for Ukrainian women's participation in the military. She argued for their active involvement in combat operations and emphasized the need for women to be prepared for the realities of warfare, including training in tactical medicine and drone operation skills she believed women, like men, should acquire early on.

Beyond her work within the military sphere, the name Oksana Grigorieva is inextricably linked to the entertainment industry. Public records, for instance, have linked her to a property associated with actor Mel Gibson. Their relationship, which began in 2007, was widely publicized and ultimately ended in 2010. This relationship produced a daughter, Lucia. Before that, Grigorieva was romantically involved with the former James Bond star Timothy Dalton.

Her professional trajectory includes a notable career in music. She rose to prominence in 2006 with the song "Un Dia Llegara," which gained significant recognition and was featured on an album by Josh Groban. Her skills as a singer, songwriter, and pianist have consistently informed her public image, allowing her to maintain a presence even amidst personal controversies. Despite the difficulties in her personal life, including the fallout from her relationship with Gibson, she's managed to continue working in the public sphere.

The complexities of Grigorieva's life also include a series of legal battles. Notably, a settlement with Mel Gibson was put in place, with an original agreement of $15 million. Due to information leaks that were later reported, Grigorieva lost a considerable portion of that settlement. This incident underscored the constant scrutiny she endures and the considerable financial stakes involved in her personal affairs. The court cases highlighted the challenges she faced.

The appointment of a gender advisor is a significant step for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, reflecting a broader effort to modernize and integrate gender perspectives into military strategy. The role entails more than just developing policies. It demands an ability to work across various departments, ensuring that the policies are implemented and effective within the defense structure. This includes assessing the needs of all service members.

In 1989, Oksana Grigorieva married Igor Baranov, but their marriage dissolved after three months, marking an early chapter in her public life. Throughout her life, she has consistently faced a spotlight that has made her name a common one in media coverage. The challenges she has navigated highlight her complex history, which continues to evolve with each new role she assumes.

The role of gender advisor within the Ukrainian Armed Forces is crucial, especially considering the changing dynamics of modern warfare and the increasing need to integrate women into combat and support roles. Grigorieva's experience in the AFU Ground Forces Command has given her a foundation of experience that will aid her in these broader responsibilities.

Timothy Dalton, the actor, is a British film and television personality, recognized for his roles in period dramas produced by the BBC. He notably portrayed James Bond in two films: "The Living Daylights" (1987) and "License to Kill" (1989). Dalton has a son.

The context for Grigorieva's work is the evolving understanding of gender dynamics within military institutions worldwide. As militaries strive to create more inclusive environments, gender advisors play a vital role in ensuring that policies and practices reflect the diverse experiences of all service members. The insights they bring provide a valuable framework.

Grigorieva's appointment reflects a broader trend of integrating gender perspectives into defense strategy. As militaries strive to create more inclusive environments, the role of gender advisors is becoming increasingly important. They work to make sure that policies reflect the diversity within the forces. The insights and perspectives they offer help shape more effective and equitable military practices.

Mel Gibson, who was married to Robyn Moore for close to 30 years, separated from Moore in 2006 and began a relationship with Grigorieva the following year. The relationship lasted about three years. Gibson has a daughter, Lucia, with Grigorieva. The actor also has another child.

Grigorieva's origins can be traced back to Saransk, Russia, where she was born in 1970. Her work extends into pop music and she's also gained prominence as a singer, songwriter, and pianist. Her song "Un Dia Llegara," which featured on a Josh Groban album, brought her into the music spotlight in 2006. The music community acknowledged her abilities.

As of March 8, 2025, the Armed Forces of Ukraine welcomed Grigorieva into this new position. The Ukrainian General Staff's recognition of this event emphasized her role in shaping the forces' approach to gender equality.

The estimated net worth of Grigorieva as of 2025 is approximately $500,000. Her continued presence within the public eye is maintained despite controversies and challenges.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces' initiative reflects the increasing importance of inclusivity in the military, which is echoed by the appointment of Grigorieva to this role.