Andriivski Vechornytsi in Milton Keynes (PHOTO)
This December, the Ukrainian community of Milton Keynes, together with Ukraine Appeal, gathered for a fun and colourful celebration of Andriivski Vechornytsi — one of the most beloved youth traditions that has been part of Ukrainian culture for centuries. See photos from our vibrant celebration, uniting young people — and all who feel young at heart — through Ukrainian traditions, music, and festive fun.
Ukrainian Kolyadky at Bletchley Park: A Song of Gratitude and Friendship
The Ukrainian community of Milton Keynes brought the spirit of Christmas to Bletchley Park with a heartfelt performance of traditional kolyadky — Ukrainian festive carols filled with hope and light. Children and adults from the Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School and Ukraine Appeal Charity shared these cherished songs as a gesture of gratitude to Bletchley Park and local residents for their ongoing support of Ukrainians. This special moment celebrated culture, community, and friendship, uniting visitors through music that has been passed down through generations.
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.
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.
Ukrainian “Red Viburnum” at ART in the Park in Milton Keynes
During Refugee Week, the Ukrainian community of Milton Keynes united for a heartfelt march filled with music, pride and the iconic song “Червона калина” (“Red Viburnum”). Families, children and volunteers walked together, carrying symbols of hope and resilience in support of Ukraine. The event was organised in partnership with MKIAC as part of the ART in the Park project, with creative contributions from the Sunflower Ukrainian Saturday School‑Club, designer Alice, and the ongoing support of Ukraine Appeal Charity. Together, we continue to raise our “red viburnum”, uplifting Ukraine and celebrating our culture in Milton Keynes.
Faces of the Ukrainian Dream: Ukrainian Children’s Voices Heard at Bletchley Park
The exhibition Faces of the Ukrainian Dream has opened at Bletchley Park. From 12–29 August 2025, visitors are invited to step into a deeply moving collection of drawings, letters and reflections created by children whose lives have been shaped by Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. Organised by Ukraine Appeal CIO in partnership with the Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School and the All‑Ukrainian Association Patriot, the exhibition forms part of Bletchley Park’s international Summer of Peace programme, marking the anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.
“Shards of Childhood in the Tote”: Ukrainian Children’s Art Exhibition for Refugee Week
“Shards of Childhood in the Tote” is a moving Refugee Week exhibition presented by Ukraine Appeal and the Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School, showcasing artwork created by displaced Ukrainian children. Through powerful illustrations, the exhibition reveals the memories, losses and hopes carried by young refugees as they fled the war. Hosted in partnership with MK Gallery, The Open University and Community Action: MK, the project invites visitors to reflect on the lived experiences of Ukrainian children and the resilience they continue to show.
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.
Council vows to top up “thank you” payments for people hosting Ukrainian families in Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes City Council has announced plans to top up payments for residents hosting Ukrainian families, ensuring they continue to receive full support. Since 2022, more than 550 Ukrainians have settled in Milton Keynes, with most welcomed into the homes of generous local hosts. From April, the UK Government will cap national “thank you” payments at £350 per month, regardless of how long families have been in the country — prompting the Council to step in and protect local hosts from losing vital support. Read the full article on the MK Citizen website.
British‑Ukrainian Christmas Tree Installed at Milton Keynes Central Library
Ukraine Appeal CIO and the Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School proudly present a British‑Ukrainian Christmas tree at Milton Keynes Central Library. Decorated by local Ukrainian children, the tree symbolises unity, resilience and the vibrant Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes.
Ukraine Appeal and Sunflower Ukrainian School at the City of Code and Lights Festival 2024
The Ukrainian community of Milton Keynes took part in the City of Code and Lights Festival 2024, a vibrant celebration of creativity, innovation, art and technology. Children from the Sunflower Ukrainian Saturday School presented their handmade light installations, showcasing culture, talent and community spirit.
Ukraine Appeal Delivers Four Generators to Kherson Region
Ukraine Appeal has delivered four inverter generators to the Kherson region, providing essential heat and power to communities affected by ongoing attacks. Funded through donations and volunteer support, this mission brings real help and hope to Ukrainians facing infrastructure damage and daily hardship.
Ukrainian Community of Milton Keynes Joins Vyshyvanka Parade in London
Representatives of the Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes joined the vibrant Vyshyvanka Parade in London, proudly showcasing traditional embroidery and cultural heritage. Ukraine Appeal Charity took part in the march, celebrating unity, identity, and support for Ukraine. More photos from the event are now available.
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.
King Charles III Visits Milton Keynes and Meets the Ukrainian Community
Milton Keynes marked a historic milestone as it celebrated its newly granted city status — and the occasion was honoured by a special visit from His Majesty King Charles III. During the celebration, the King met with a range of community groups that represent the diversity, resilience and civic spirit of Milton Keynes. Among them was the Ukrainian community, represented by volunteers and leaders from Ukraine Appeal, a Milton Keynes–based charity supporting Ukrainian refugees and delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
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.