Local Ukrainians mark two-year anniversary of the war with a photography exhibition

Tomorrow, February 24, it is two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. A photography exhibition in St Peter’s (from 10 am to 4pm tomorrow) shows the extent of the destruction and devastation of homes and schools and public buildings as recorded on mobile phones belonging to the Ukrainians who have now found refuge in Marlborough and the surrounding area.

“These are personal photos, not ones off the internet,” said Anna, who had the idea for the exhibition. “The photos are a reminder of when war came to our town and region.”

There are photos of Russian tanks travelling down deserted streets, taken from an eye-witness in an apartment, of sleeping in underground bunkers, of burnt out vehicles and windows blown out by rocket attacks. A set of before and after photos show a kindergarten, a school and then a whole town reduced to shells of burnt out buildings.

Taisiia told Marlborough.news, “We hope the exhibition will help local people understand what it was like and what it is like. At first I thought I wouldn’t leave – I am Ukrainian and wanted to stay but when I saw the distress of my children – my four-year-old was so scared he was physically sick, I knew I had to leave. Thank you to all British people for the amazing support we have been given. We feel safe and our children can have a wonderful education.”

Yuliia has included a painting her daughter painted for GCSE Art in the exhibition. The painting depicts an astronaut in an alien landscape but his mask does not reflect what he sees but shows sunflowers, revealing he is thinking of home in Ukraine.  “Wherever you are you take a part of your home with you,” commented Yullia.

As well as the exhibition, Simon Ellis, a local volunteer, who has raised money and who continues to raise money to send aid in the form of vehicles and medical supplies to Ukraine, will speak at 11 am in St Peter’s. To support Simon’s latest fundraising venture click here