Ukraine Appeal Shortlisted for MK Community Foundation Charity Awards
Ukraine Appeal has been shortlisted as a finalist in the MK Community Foundation Charity Awards 2026 in the Arts & Heritage category. This recognition highlights our cultural, educational, and community work in Milton Keynes and the positive impact we’ve made over the past year.
40 Years Since the Chornobyl Disaster: Remembrance Day in Milton Keynes (VIDEO)
Milton Keynes marks 40 years since the Chornobyl disaster with a community remembrance event honouring victims and promoting peace. Organised by Viktoriya Shtanko on behalf of Ukraine Appeal, Sunflower Ukrainian School, and the Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes, in partnership with the MK Peace Pagoda and The Parks Trust.
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.
Ukrainian Parish of St George Receives Official Status in Milton Keynes
The Ukrainian Church Parish in Milton Keynes has officially received its recognised status, marking a significant milestone for the local Ukrainian community. Now formally known as the Orthodox Ukrainian Parish of St George the Victorious, Milton Keynes City, the parish strengthens the spiritual and cultural life of Ukrainians who have made the city their home.
Ukrainian Saturday School “Sunflower” Receives Official Status from the Ministry of Education of Ukraine
The Ukrainian Saturday School “Sunflower” in Milton Keynes has been officially recognised by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine as an overseas educational centre. This status confirms that students’ Ukrainian‑language, literature and history studies will now be formally accredited in Ukraine, strengthening educational continuity for families abroad.
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.
Supporting Ohmatdyt: How Our Community Turned Compassion Into Action
Ukraine Appeal and Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes donated £500 to support Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv through a community‑led fundraiser and emergency appeal. Thanks to donations from our “Andriyivski Vechornytsi” charity performance, additional contributions after the missile attack on the hospital, and the commitment of our volunteers, essential medicines have now been purchased and delivered. This joint effort by the Milton Keynes Ukrainian community, Sunflower School, and our partners in Ukraine shows how compassion and unity can bring real help to children in need.
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.
Standing with Heroes: Honouring Memory, Supporting the Future
Ukraine Appeal brought the community together for Standing with Heroes, a moving event honouring those who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom. In a space of remembrance and solidarity, we reflected on the courage of fallen defenders and those still protecting Ukraine today. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, an EcoFlow generator funded through the event has now been delivered to the Sumy region, providing vital assistance to people living under constant threat. This collective effort shows the strength, unity, and compassion of the Milton Keynes Ukrainian community and our partners.
Ukrainian Community in Milton Keynes Thanks City Council for Raising the Ukrainian Flag
The Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes extends its sincere gratitude to Milton Keynes City Council for raising the Ukrainian flag alongside the Union Jack — a powerful gesture of solidarity, friendship, and shared values.
Holocaust Memorial Day: We Remember Together
Ukraine Appeal joined the Milton Keynes Holocaust Memorial Day service to honour victims and heroes of the Holocaust. Standing in solidarity with the Jewish community, we remember together — choosing humanity, compassion, and unity against hatred.
Ukraine Appeal Charity Delivers Christmas Hope to Children’s Hospitals in Kyiv
Ukraine Appeal CIO and the Sunflower Ukrainian School helped deliver 110 Christmas parcels to children in Kyiv hospitals, offering comfort during war and treatment. Prepared by the Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes, the gifts highlight the charity’s ongoing humanitarian support for families in Ukraine.
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.