The original “Kestrel” mosaic was created in the summer of 1967 by a group of artists led by the prominent Ukrainian artist Alla Horska. Three years later, Horska — a leading figure in the Sixtiers movement — was murdered by Soviet security forces. In 2022, the mosaic was severely damaged during the Russian invasion.

To draw global attention to Ukrainian culture, Ukraine’s largest online marketplace ROZETKA, the public organization UKRAINE WOW, and the Alla Horska and Victor Zaretsky Foundation recreated the mosaic with meticulous attention to detail. “Kestrel” was first unveiled in Kyiv, and London is the first European capital to host the mosaic as part of its international tour.

The event was organized by the Oleksandr Usyk Foundation and British-Ukrainian Aid, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, members of the UK Parliament, and the Mayor of London. The restoration of the mosaic and its arrival in London were made possible thanks to the support of ROZETKA.

Oleksandr Usyk, World Heavyweight Champion & Founder, Usyk Foundation:

"Thank you, Great Britain, for your support of Ukraine. We are strong together! Russia destroys Ukrainian culture. Russia destroys our homes, hospitals, schools. Russia destroys our lives. But we will survive. We will win. We will rebuild our country. Like a mosaic – piece by piece. Today, we raise money to help sixty four families have a home again. Join us!” He also called on people to contribute to the ongoing fundraiser: “Home Again” is more than just housing. It’s a place where 64 Ukrainian families who lost their homes due to the war will once again feel peace, safety, and warmth. We’re not just building walls — we’re creating a future where every child can grow up with hope.”

Support the Usyk Foundation’s campaign via this link: https://usykfoundation.org/uk/current-project

The campaign aims to raise £2.5 million to construct four apartment buildings, offering safe homes to 64 families across 2,743.2 m². Also in attendance was Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Unite, who made the campaign’s first donation.

Vladyslav Chechotkin, Co-founder of ROZETKA:

“We believe that The Kestrel will amaze, inspire, and give hope that everything lost can be restored. It will become a voice for Ukrainian art, both at home and overseas. The Kestrel is a free and proud falcon. No one embodies that better than our champion, Oleksandr Usyk”.

Yaroslava Gres, co-founder UKRAINE WOW:

“We don’t know the current state of Boryviter in Mariupol — the mosaic is hidden within a building surrounded by a construction fence. But today, the Kestrel is starting its journey in the heart of London. Could Alla Horska have ever imagined that her mosaic would one day stand here, applauded by famous people and unveiled by a boxing champion? I believe she’s smiling down on us from heaven right now.”

Justine Simons, Deputy Mayor of London for Culture and the Creative Industries, and Alex Sobel, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ukraine and Member of the UK Parliament, supported the project in Trafalgar Square.

Following the mosaic unveiling, Oleksandr Usyk and Richard Branson proceeded to Waterloo Place to reveal a reimagined statue of Florence Nightingale, featuring a prosthetic limb in place of her iconic lamp — symbolizing the resilience of Ukrainian defenders. The statue launch marked the beginning of the Ukraine: Defending Freedom campaign in partnership with Ukraine’s Superhumans Center.

Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group and Virgin Unite Founder, said:

“Ukraine’s fight is not just for its own future, but for the ideals of freedom and democracy everywhere. Since Russia’s invasion, the Ukrainian people have paid a terrible price. They’ve sacrificed their limbs, homes, and lives."

“Putin’s war must end, and on terms acceptable to Ukraine. Until that day comes, we all have a role to play in rebuilding what has been destroyed."

“It’s easy, from a distance, to feel fatigue or helplessness. But we cannot look away. Freedom is never free, and Ukraine is paying the cost on all our behalf. Let’s keep standing together for Ukraine.”