In the Kiev suburb of Borodjanka: Artwork by Banksy discovered in Ukraine

Dhe artist Banksy probably immortalized himself in the Ukraine. On his Instagram channel on Friday evening, the mysterious street artist published photos of a work on a destroyed house, which is said to have been taken in the heavily devastated Kiev suburb of Borodyanka.

The picture shows a girl on the gray wall of a war-damaged house, apparently doing a handstand on the rubble. “Borodjanka, Ukraine” reads the accompanying text. The publication on his Instagram channel is traditionally seen as a sign that the British-born Banksy confirms a work as his.

Where the Russian army murdered, tortured and raped

Borodyanka, northwest of the capital Kyiv, was captured by Russian troops on February 24 shortly after the start of the war. In April, Ukrainian units were able to liberate the settlement. Ukraine accuses Russian troops of committing “mass atrocities” in the suburb, as well as in Bucha, Hostomel or Irpin. These include murder, kidnapping, torture and rape.

So far, Banksy has only committed to the one picture in Ukraine. However, British media speculate that he may have left other works in the country. In Borodyanka, for example, a wall shows a young boy throwing a grown man to the ground while playing judo – apparently an allusion to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is a keen judoka. A rhythmic gymnast wearing a neck brace and holding a ribbon dances over a hole in a wall in the Kiev suburb of Irpin. A fourth work, similar to Banksy’s signature spray style, shows two children in Kyiv using a metal tank trap as a seesaw.

The famous street artist has also traveled to crisis areas in the past, including the West Bank. He is also committed to helping refugees and has financed, among other things, a ship for rescue operations in the Mediterranean. Many works are socially critical.

Banksy’s identity and age remain unknown. When the British University for the Creative Arts awarded him an honorary professorship, the chair remained empty. The only thing that is fairly certain is that he comes from the western English city of Bristol. His works fetch millions at auction. However, he repeatedly criticizes the traditional art world with museums and galleries.