Born in Lutsk (Volyn region), Kateryna was educated at the Fundukleiv Gymnasium in Kyiv. Her life unfolded at the dawn of the 20th century, a time when women were striving for freedom, purpose, and self-discovery.

During the Russo-Japanese War of 1905, she served as a nurse in the Far East, where she met and fell in love with Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath of Thailand. Their marriage, which defied royal traditions, led her to a foreign land for the sake of love.

Kateryna often longed for her homeland and returned frequently to Kyiv to visit friends. However, after her separation from the prince, returning permanently to the Ukraine became impossible due to the Soviet occupation. She spent the rest of her life in exile, living in China, the United States, and finally Paris, transitioning from a self-imposed exile to a forced one.

Despite the challenges, her influence endured. Prince Chakrabongse lost his right to the throne by marrying a foreigner, yet the couple’s love remained strong. In Thailand, he initiated significant government reforms, perhaps with Kateryna’s encouragement. She devoted herself to charitable work and healthcare, helping the prince become vice president of the Thai Red Cross Society—a lasting testament to their shared vision and compassion.