Antonov Airlines has partnered with Vivat Publishing to support Ukrainian children affected by the war. By engaging children’s authors, the brands have created a series of illustrated children’s books about airplanes.
The first two books in the Winged Stories series are already being printed in Kharkiv. These books, created with the support of Antonov specialists, tell stories about airplanes that, just two years ago, took off from the airport in Hostomel, which was destroyed at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
Vivat Publishing continues to print Ukrainian literature, while Antonov planes carry out important missions around the world. This collaboration aims to inspire children to dream and support those who need it most.
Two children’s authors have created four stories where Antonov aircraft are the main characters. Part of the proceeds from the book sales will go to the Together for Ukraine charity fund, which cares for over a thousand children who have been orphaned, lost their homes, or were forced to leave due to the war.
“As our soldiers defend the country’s borders, we must strive for a better future. We want children to continue dreaming and have the opportunity to realise their dreams here in Ukraine,” said Ruslan Bykovets, head of the air transport organisation department at Antonov Airlines.
In December this year, to mark the 35th anniversary of the first flight of the largest transport aircraft AN-225 Mriya, the partners held a nationwide children’s drawing contest. 1,295 children aged four to 14 from different parts of the country participated.
“We received impressive works. Not all of them were about airplanes. The children depicted their experiences, the pain of loss, and their belief in a bright future. Their parents sacrificed their lives for the existence of Ukraine. Now it is our responsibility to create conditions for their development and a better future,” noted Evelina Krulets, executive director of the Together for Ukraine charity fund.
