Ukrainian mother talks to Banksy without knowing street artist’s identity

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By Eli Griffin

February 26, 2023 | 7:45 pm

A Ukrainian mother and her young daughter apparently spoke to Banksy as they painted a mural in their war-torn country, without realizing they were chatting with the world-famous, secretive artist.

The mother, Yula Patoku, told the Mirror that she saw the notoriously elusive street performer, who painted the image of a young child dressed in martial arts attire, slamming a man with a black belt.

“I talked to Banksy, not knowing who he was, because he made this artwork and when he spoke to my daughter she told him she loved it,” the 42-year-old told the outlet.

“He told Banksy that he thought it was like a child saving his father from being attacked by a monster – a bit like Ukraine saving the world from something evil, like Russia.”

Banksy painted the image – reportedly one of seven murals he painted in Ukraine – on the wall of a building destroyed by Russian missiles at Borodianka in the Kiev region. The mysterious British artist is believed to have worked in October, months after the bombing of the area.

Patoku said the artwork clearly symbolizes the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the country’s fight against the invaders.

He said, “The picture is that Ukraine is definitely beating Russia but it is probably different from the eyes of a child.” “Others see it as young Ukraine beating off the rogue tyranny of old Russia.”

look at the gallery

Local authorities have erected a plastic barrier to protect the artwork as its symbolic imagery has become a message of hope for residents.

“I love this artwork. For me it is young and powerful, defiant Ukraine fighting against the monster of Russia and winning – or President Zelensky defeating Putin in a fight,” said Patoku’s sister Oksana Koronic Told Mirror.

The piece is reportedly secured with motion sensors that will alert a “rapid response team” to anyone approaching it.

“It will always be a reminder of how we stood up for Putin,” Koronic said.