Graffiti in the city of Borodyanka, Ukraine, on November 12, 2022. In the cities of the Kyiv region affected by the Russian aggression in the spring of 2022, graffiti, probably by Banksy, appeared. (Photo by Oleg Pereverzev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Graffiti in the city of Borodyanka, Ukraine, on November 12, 2022. In the cities of the Kyiv region affected by the Russian aggression in the spring of 2022, graffiti, probably by Banksy, appeared. (Photo by Oleg Pereverzev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Famed British graffiti artist Banksy is painting the ruined buildings of Ukraine.
The artist, whose real identity is not known, seemed to confirm speculation that he was in the country by posting a picture on Instagram of a mural in Borodyanka, just outside Kyiv.
Borodyanka was heavily damaged during Russia’s attempt to capture the capital in February, when it was subjected to air strikes and artillery shelling. With the area blockaded, civilians faced starvation until Ukrainian forces recaptured the area in April.
The artwork shows a gymnast doing a handstand amid debris.
A woman in a leotard doing a handstand is seen on the wall of a destroyed building in Borodyanka. Photo / Getty Images
There had been speculation that Banksy was in Ukraine in recent days, as four murals in his signature style were spotted on damaged buildings in and around Kyiv.
Banksy has not yet confirmed that the other paintings are his work, although it now seems likely.
One image shows an adult being defeated in a judo match by a child, in a David and Goliath-like scene. Some have speculated that the older man represents Vladimir Putin, who is a black belt in judo.
A third artwork shows a rhythmic gymnast, apparently injured and wearing a neck brace but continuing to perform. She balances on one foot on top of a gaping hole in the side of a building in Irpin.
A woman in a leotard and a neck brace waving a ribbon is seen on the wall of a destroyed building in Irpin in Kyiv. Photo / Getty Images
Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv, was besieged during the first weeks of the war and civilians attempting to flee the area were apparently targeted by Russian shelling.
One of the images that Banksy posted to Instagram shows a wide view of the building in Borodyanka.
It is largely destroyed, only part of it still standing, and all the windows were blown out. His painting is seen at the very bottom, with the building rising above the girl.
One of the images Banksy posted to Instagram was of a woman in a leotard doing a handstand on the wall of a destroyed building in Borodyanka in Kyiv. Photo / Getty Images
Banksy is one of the world’s best-known street artists and often tackles issues around politics, human rights and justice in his work.
He has previously painted on ruined buildings in Gaza.
