Recently The Orkney News published an article highlighting the need for sponsors for Ukrainians.
On 24 February 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine. Since then the war has been relentless displacing thousands of Ukrainians, families are still being forced to flee. At the start of the invasion Orcadians were horrified and came out in support of the people of Ukraine.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) verified a total of 49,431 civilian casualties during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as of July 31, 2025. Of them, 35,548 people were reported to have been injured. However, OHCHR specified that the real numbers could be higher.
Igor is 19 years old (born on March 7, 2006). According to the new rules introduced in Ukraine in September, he is allowed to cross the border. He has contacted the border service, who checked his documents and confirmed his right to cross the border to seek respite from the war in his country and find a temporary home elsewhere.
Igor is very keen to come to Orkney, and would be very grateful for anyone who would consider sponsoring him to contact Gill Tennant through this paper. email news@theorkneynews.scot or comment on this post.
This is his story:
I’m a young Ukrainian director currently based in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Theatre has been an essential part of my life for as long as I can remember. The war in my country has drastically changed my life and the lives of my family members. My house was damaged by a missile, and I lost the opportunity to continue my education. Despite these challenges, I have never stopped pursuing my passion for theatre and creativity.
I have been studying theatre since I was six years old. At 16, I was already volunteering at public events, helping to direct the play “The Blue Bird,” and performing in over ten shows at the Exprompt Children’s Theatre and Aside Theatre Studio. I also starred in such Ukrainian films and TV series as Material Evidence, The Precinct Officer from DVRZ, The Trackers, and the feature film Stop Earth directed by Kateryna Hornostay. During the war, I produced and directed two short films – The Seeker (2022) and Red Disease (2023), which was awarded third place at the international British and Irish Film Festival in Luxembourg in March 2024 – and a music video, “Heartbeat,” for Aioluna (2023).
Despite the war, constant shelling, and blackouts, I managed to launch and run a children’s theater studio called “Merva,” where I direct and teach young actors. This experience made me realize how powerful theater can be in healing children and unlocking their potential, uniting the community, and inspiring hope – something that is essential during these hard times.
For the past year and a half, I have been passionate about 3D modelling and sculpting, as well as the gaming industry. I completed a year-long course in Ukraine, where I mastered the basics of professional software, and I am currently continuing to improve my skills. I already have several works in my portfolio, and I also participate in various volunteer projects to gain practical experience.
I want to study in the United Kingdom and I am choosing between two directions: Business/Economics or the Games industry. I enjoy business – planning projects, managing teams and understanding how organisations work – and I want to develop these skills to a professional level. The Games path would give me deeper 3D, production and interactive storytelling skills that fit with my background in directing and film. The UK has strong programs and a big creative industry where I can learn practical skills and meet professionals. Studying there will help me start a strong professional career in either business or games.
If you would consider sponsoring Igor contact Gill Tennant through this paper. email news@theorkneynews.scot or comment on this post.
Leave a Reply