Ukraine's children speak of hope in art exhibition

Tadei, 10, does not want to see territories in Ukraine given to Russia

It is home to the famous codebreakers, whose deciphering efforts helped hasten the end of World War Two. As Bletchley Park commemorates the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day with events marking a "Summer of Peace", one exhibition is exploring what peace means today for those still embroiled in conflict.

"Peace Through Our Eyes" features works from young Ukrainians, now living in Milton Keynes, who have offered their thoughts on the future of peace in their homeland.

'I don't want my country given away'

The Antonov AN-225 was attacked at its base in Hostomel, near Kyiv in February 2022

Ten-year-old Tadei is wise beyond his years.

He tells me he fled Ukraine via Poland three years ago, living with a host family for a month when he first arrived in the UK. He is now settled in Milton Keynes with his mother, father and brother.

He shows me his drawing of the world's largest plane, the Antonov An-225 Mriya.

A symbol of national pride for Ukraine, the cargo plane was destroyed in its hangar during the first days of the Russian invasion, forging an iconic image that for many marked the start of the war.

Tadei has views on the recent media coverage of US President Donald Trump meeting President Putin. On the so-called "land swaps" Donald Trump has talked about, Tadei said: "This is not how we should work it out."

He added: "I don't want my country to be given away to some country that wants to destroy our entire country… it's like his [Putin's] country are bullies, his bullies, that are launching rockets and artillery to destroy us."

'I hope I can see my grandparents'

Alisa, eight, hopes peace in Ukraine might mean she can see her grandparents again

For Alisa, eight, her hopes of "peace, no war and no conflict" are displayed among a collection of written messages from children in the exhibition.

She tells me while she hopes Ukraine can secure "victory", her greatest wish is simple - to finally be reunited with the family she has been separated from by war.

"I hope all the children can go back to Ukraine and I can see my grandparents," she said.

The "Peace Through Our Eyes" exhibition at Bletchley Park features artwork and messages from young Ukrainians settled in Buckinghamshire

The "Peace Through Our Eyes" exhibition in Hut 12 has been open for visitors to Bletchley Park throughout August.

Learning manager Lily Dean said that while the museum was currently commemorating 80 years since the end of World War Two, it felt important to mark ongoing conflicts.

"For our codebreakers 80 years ago, [there was] jubilation at the end of the war and that idea that we wouldn't experience this again in Europe - so to have something that's happening in Europe, so close to home, is particularly something we wanted to reflect on here at Bletchley Park," she said.

"It's incredibly moving stories of young people, some incredibly young... of trauma, of losses, of moving away from their homes... this collection has been incredibly moving for our visitors."

'We all want peace'

Raissa splits her time between Milton Keynes and Ukraine where she works as a translator with the Army

Visiting the museum with her granddaughter Alisa is Raissa, 70.

She has recently returned from Ukraine, where she works with the Army as a translator.

She said the mood in the country had changed in recent weeks since those political meetings in Alaska.

"These are not only my feelings, a lot of people in Ukraine are thinking the same. Why should we give up our territories?" she said.

"Yes we all want peace for Ukraine, but at what price? What about those people who gave their lives fighting for those territories, does it mean their sacrifice was worth nothing?"

The "Peace Through Our Eyes" exhibition is a collaboration between the Milton Keynes' charity, Ukraine Appeal, the Middle Eastern Cultural Group and the Bletchley Park Trust.

It runs until 29 of August.