In the three years since Russia's extensive invasion of Ukraine, numerous photographers have dedicated their work to showcasing the profound human toll of the conflict. Many have contributed their personal stories behind poignant images featured in various media, including the BBC.
Husband and wife duo Vlada and Kostiantyn Liberov transitioned from wedding photography in Odesa to exposing Russian atrocities. Vlada poignantly recalls experiencing the dangers of war firsthand when she was injured by shrapnel in the Donetsk region in 2023.
Kostiantyn's powerful image taken in Kursk captured a moment of grief as a soldier consoled a comrade after the death of a fellow serviceman during an assault. He reflects on the emotional struggles faced by soldiers during such operations, denoting the complexity of fighting inside Russian territory instead of defending their homeland.
Vlada recounts a heartbreaking incident where, after pleading with a resident in Avdiivka to evacuate, she left only to find the situation worsened significantly due to subsequent bombardment, highlighting the damning consequences of war on personal choices.
Despite the profound sadness in their work, Vlada and Kostiantyn draw appreciation for life’s joys amid the chaos. Dmytro, a soldier they had photographed in the trenches, became a proud father in March 2024, showcasing the contrasting moments they aim to capture.
Valeria Demenko, documenting the emergency service's response in Sumy, reflects on almost losing touch with the severity of danger while recovering victims from collapsed buildings. She recalls a devastating search for a child’s body after a Russian missile strike and emphasizes the importance of shedding light on their work.
Another veteran photojournalist, Alexander Ermochenko, draws from his experiences in Donetsk where he witnessed human suffering on both sides of the conflict. His images capture the stark reality of destruction and the surrounding life that persists despite the chaos.
Fellow photojournalist Alina Smutko conveys the personal impact of war on her life, recounting the constant threats she faces while documenting the conflict from Kyiv. Her determination to raise awareness of the plights faced by those affected is a testament to the enduring spirit of both the people of Ukraine and the professionals documenting their stories.
Despite the risks, these dedicated photojournalists remain committed to capturing the essence of survival, loss, and the fleeting moments that highlight the resilience and hope in a war-torn nation.
Husband and wife duo Vlada and Kostiantyn Liberov transitioned from wedding photography in Odesa to exposing Russian atrocities. Vlada poignantly recalls experiencing the dangers of war firsthand when she was injured by shrapnel in the Donetsk region in 2023.
Kostiantyn's powerful image taken in Kursk captured a moment of grief as a soldier consoled a comrade after the death of a fellow serviceman during an assault. He reflects on the emotional struggles faced by soldiers during such operations, denoting the complexity of fighting inside Russian territory instead of defending their homeland.
Vlada recounts a heartbreaking incident where, after pleading with a resident in Avdiivka to evacuate, she left only to find the situation worsened significantly due to subsequent bombardment, highlighting the damning consequences of war on personal choices.
Despite the profound sadness in their work, Vlada and Kostiantyn draw appreciation for life’s joys amid the chaos. Dmytro, a soldier they had photographed in the trenches, became a proud father in March 2024, showcasing the contrasting moments they aim to capture.
Valeria Demenko, documenting the emergency service's response in Sumy, reflects on almost losing touch with the severity of danger while recovering victims from collapsed buildings. She recalls a devastating search for a child’s body after a Russian missile strike and emphasizes the importance of shedding light on their work.
Another veteran photojournalist, Alexander Ermochenko, draws from his experiences in Donetsk where he witnessed human suffering on both sides of the conflict. His images capture the stark reality of destruction and the surrounding life that persists despite the chaos.
Fellow photojournalist Alina Smutko conveys the personal impact of war on her life, recounting the constant threats she faces while documenting the conflict from Kyiv. Her determination to raise awareness of the plights faced by those affected is a testament to the enduring spirit of both the people of Ukraine and the professionals documenting their stories.
Despite the risks, these dedicated photojournalists remain committed to capturing the essence of survival, loss, and the fleeting moments that highlight the resilience and hope in a war-torn nation.
