Local Media Celebrates Ukrainian Couple’s Royal Garden Party Appearance
MKFM has highlighted the inspiring participation of Ukrainians at the Royal Garden Party, recognising it as an achievement not only for our Ukrainian community but for the wider Milton Keynes family. A Ukrainian couple from MK, invited to Buckingham Palace last week, even earned a charming new nickname — “The Ukrainian Bridgertons” — thanks to their elegant and beautifully traditional attire that captured the attention of visitors. Their presence at this prestigious event reflects the growing contribution, cultural pride, and resilience Ukrainians bring to local life, and celebrates the strong support shown by residents across the city.
War in Ukraine: 'My fear is that I may lose my family any minute'
This BBC News report captures the moment our charity journey began, as Viktoriya Shtanko — now CEO of Ukraine Appeal — spoke about the fear for her family in Ukraine and the urgent need to help her hometown under attack. What started with three volunteers coordinating supplies from Milton Keynes has since grown into a registered charity, a strong Ukrainian community hub, and the officially recognised Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School. This media coverage tells the story of how our mission to support Ukraine first took shape.
Living Archive MK Features Ukraine Appeal CEO Viktoriya Shtanko in “A Museum for a New City”
Living Archive MK spotlights Ukraine Appeal CIO CEO Viktoriya Shtanko, whose story traces her path from Ukraine to Milton Keynes and the founding of a charity supporting displaced families. Her experience highlights MK’s welcoming community and the city’s growing Ukrainian heritage.
Government minister applauds Milton Keynes residents
MKFM
The Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, has paid tribute to the people of Milton Keynes after Emily Darlington MP shared a powerful statement from the city’s Ukrainian community with him. Following last week’s Russian attack on Kyiv, which struck a British Government building, the Milton Keynes Central MP read a message from Viktoriya Shtanko, Chief Executive Officer of the Ukraine Appeal & Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School, highlighting the community’s solidarity and resilience.
BBC Article Covers “Faces of the Ukrainian Dream” Exhibition at Bletchley Park
BBC News, Buckinghamshire, reporting from Bletchley Park
The BBC has highlighted the work of the Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School and the Ukraine Appeal charity in its coverage of the “Faces of the Ukrainian Dream” exhibition at Bletchley Park. Through powerful interviews with children from our community, the piece reflects the hopes, memories and resilience that shape their dreams for Ukraine’s future. The exhibition, delivered by Ukraine Appeal and Sunflower School in partnership with Ukrainians in Milton Keynes and Bletchley Park Trust, continues to raise awareness of the war and the importance of sustained support for Ukrainian families.
The temporary UK visas worrying Ukrainian refugees
BBC News, Buckinghamshire
The Ukraine Appeal & Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School, led by Viktoriya Shtanko, is highlighted in the BBC’s coverage of the ongoing impact of Russian attacks on Kyiv. The article reflects the organisation’s continued advocacy for Ukrainian families in the UK and its efforts to ensure their voices and experiences are heard during a period of renewed violence.
Ukrainian school is 'priceless' and aims to expand
BBC News, Buckinghamshire
A Saturday school for Ukrainian refugees could help more children with extra funding, organisers have said. The Sunflower School in Milton Keynes offers classes in a range of subjects in Ukrainian. Viktoriya Shtanko is a co-founder of Ukraine Appeal, which runs the school. She said the school is "priceless" and wants to help more people stay connected with their language and culture.