Reflecting on ‘four very long years’: Warwick student leads Leamington ‘Voices of Ukraine’ exhibition

All Saints’ Church in Leamington Spa is playing host to the ‘Voices of Ukraine’ exhibition across February, a “passion project” co-organised by second-year Warwick student Oliver Ansell-Hodges.  

The exhibition, which opened on 2 February, presents the wartime testimony of eight Ukrainian women, detailing their lives in Ukraine, how they came to leave the country after Russia’s invasion, and what’s next for them and their families. 

Ansell-Hodges, who studies History and Politics at the University, is running the exhibition together with former Mayor of Leamington Susan Rasmussen, with whom he took part in a humanitarian convoy to Ukraine in May. 

What started as a ‘what if’ has gained incredible momentum

Oliver Ansell-Hodges, second-year student

Speaking to The Boar, Oliver, who last chatted with us just days before his 1,300-mile journey, described his experience as “good-natured fun” through which he “met new people and formed new friendships”. “It was a lot more driving than expected, but I was able to just switch on autopilot,” he said. 

A GoFundMe fundraiser set up by Ansell-Hodges on behalf of Dawid Kozlowski, the secretary of Leamington-based humanitarian charity Belveder, managed to raise £1,700, smashing its original target of £1,000. The donations were allocated to funding the convoy and procuring medical equipment for the eastern front in Ukraine. 

The ‘Voices of Ukraine’ project has been in the works since July, Oliver revealed, noting that “what started as a ‘what if’” for himself and Rasmussen upon returning from the convoy “has gained incredible momentum”. 

The initiative is intended to raise awareness of Ukrainian refugees living in the UK, and to present their message to the British people, he explained. 

“We spoke to local Ukrainians we knew, who spoke to their friends and family, and soon enough there were expressions of interest from an awful lot of people. We chose eight ladies around Warwickshire given their enthusiasm and interest in the project. 

In addition to the ladies’ testimony, wartime photojournalism from Ukrainian photographer Ira Sozanska will also be exhibited, charting the course of her journey since the start of the war

“The ladies are from many places affected badly by the war,” Ansell-Hodges continued, listing several Ukrainian cities such as Bucha, site of a brutal massacre of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war in March 2022.  

“They range from solicitors and legal heads, to businesswomen, dance instructors, and professionals. Their names are Zoya, Olha, Olena, Anna, Bohdana, Alla, Tetiana, and Alla.” 

In addition to the ladies’ testimony, wartime photojournalism from Ukrainian photographer Ira Sozanska will also be exhibited, charting the course of her journey since the start of the war, “from her life in rural Ukraine to the tanks parked outside her childrens’ nurseries”. 

Oliver enthused over the “intensive effort” of his and Rasmussen’s team of volunteers since July, who he said have been “putting the hours in to do these ladies’ stories justice”. 

“The fact that people have given a lot of their time is a testament to what a great university community we are,” he added, expressing particular gratitude to the University’s Ukrainian Society for its tireless support. 

It’s the perfect expression of solidarity for Ukrainians, those marginalised and disenfranchised groups that live alongside us

Oliver Ansell-Hodges

The exhibition, which was awaiting assembly in cardboard boxes in Oliver’s room at the time The Boar spoke to him, was funded through grants from Warwickshire County Council, Leamington Town Council, and Belveder, and will attempt to raise funds for future convoys.  

“Ambulances cost a lot of money,” he said, noting with regard to the ambulance he helped transport that their “shelf life is only a few months”. “But every initiative helps,” he affirmed. 

The opening of the exhibition on Monday 2 February was a cultural celebration featuring a performance from Rugby’s Ukrainian Women’s Choir, while Ukrainian food was also served. 

“It’s supposed to be a community-centred event, and a nice chance for Ukrainian families to come together,” Oliver explained, adding that the mayors of Warwick and Leamington and British convoy volunteers were joined by Ukrainian students from the University. 

“It’s the perfect expression of solidarity for Ukrainians, those marginalised and disenfranchised groups that live alongside us,” he reflected, “and I think tonally it fits that this is in the month of February.” 

The anniversary of the conflict, which will be marked on 24 February by a candlelit vigil, is “a nice anchoring point for communities,” Ansell-Hodges added, “and an opportunity to reflect on four very long years”. 

The exhibition will also be visited by Central European ambassadors on 6 February, who will have the opportunity to speak to convoy participants and learn about the cultural initiatives of charities such as Belveder. 

This exhibition feels especially important because it keeps public attention on a war that is still ongoing, and on the people behind the headlines

Lev Levchenko, President, Warwick Ukrainian Society

Lev Levchenko, President of Warwick Ukrainian Society, wrote to The Boar about the vital nature of Oliver’s project. 

“This exhibition feels especially important because it keeps public attention on a war that is still ongoing, and on the people behind the headlines, those who have lived through loss and constant uncertainty. ‘Voices of Ukraine’ creates a space for empathy, reflection, and meaningful action.  

“For many Ukrainians, telling these stories is not easy, but it is crucial in order to spread awareness. I’m proud that Oliver, a Warwick student, is co-organising something that connects Warwick and Leamington Spa in a very practical way: strengthening understanding, building community, and raising funds for humanitarian support. 

“I’d encourage anyone who can to come along, take time with the stories and images, and, if possible, support the fundraising element. Even small contributions or simply showing up and sharing the message makes a difference.” 

The ‘Voices of Ukraine’ exhibition will run until 3 March at All Saints’ Church in Leamington Spa.