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.
Ukraine Appeal CEO Represents Our Community at the Royal Garden Party
Ukraine Appeal CEO Viktoriya Shtanko was honoured to represent the Ukrainian community at the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, a prestigious event recognising individuals who make a positive impact in the UK. Her invitation highlights the growing contribution of Ukrainians in Milton Keynes and the important work of our charity supporting families, culture, and community resilience.
Ukraine Appeal CEO Attends “40 Years On: Chornobyl’s Legacy and European Environmental Security”
The event brought together experts, policymakers and community voices to reflect on the disaster’s enduring impact not only on Ukraine, but on Europe’s environmental security as a whole.
High Sheriff Honours Ukraine Appeal’s CEO
Ukraine Appeal Executive Director Viktoria Shtanko has received an honorary High Sheriff’s Award in recognition of her service to the community. During the award ceremony, Viktoria thanked the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Pippa Kirkbride, for this significant recognition.
Ukrainian Community Joins Milton Keynes St David’s Day Celebration Honouring Gareth Jones
Ukraine Appeal Charity joined the Milton Keynes St David’s Day celebration honouring Welsh journalist Gareth Jones, whose reporting exposed the Holodomor. CEO Viktoriya Shtanko spoke at the MK Rose, laying flowers on behalf of the Ukrainian community and highlighting the importance of truth and remembrance.
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.
Our Local MP Raises the Work of Ukrainians in Milton Keynes in Parliament
Our local MP Emily Darlington highlighted the work of Ukraine Appeal and the Sunflower Ukrainian School in the House of Commons, recognising the support we provide to Ukrainian families in Milton Keynes. Speaking to Defence Minister Luke Pollard, she emphasised the challenges Ukrainians face this Christmas and praised our community’s ongoing efforts.
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.
CEO of Ukraine Appeal Participates in National Online Seminar on Holodomor Awareness
Ukraine Appeal CEO Viktoriya Shtanko joined a national online seminar on Holodomor awareness, contributing to the UK‑wide campaign for recognition of the 1932–1933 Holodomor as genocide. The event united Ukrainian community leaders, historians and partners committed to preserving historical truth.
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.
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.