Banksy's Possible New Murals in War-Torn Ukraine

Two new street art pieces have appeared in Borodyanka, Ukraine, near Kyiv, bearing the unmistakable style of Banksy. One stencil shows two children playing on a tank trap (a cheval de frise) as a seesaw; another depicts a small judoka throwing an adult, interpreted as a reference to Ukraine's resistance against Russia. The choice of judo alludes to Vladimir Putin's suspension as honorary president of the International Judo Federation after the invasion. Photographer Ed Ram shared images on social media, asking if they were Banksy or imitations. Curators Stefano Antonelli and Gianluca Marziani, who have organized major Banksy exhibitions in Italy, stated that it appears the British artist traveled to the war zone to create the works. Banksy has not yet claimed authorship, but Antonelli wrote that there are few doubts it is him, ending an 11-month silence that had fueled speculation. More works may emerge in the coming days.