Mykhaylo Shtekel

Ukrainian journalist & photographer

Mykhaylo is a freelance Ukrainian journalist and photographer based in Odesa. He is a former correspondent for Radio Liberty.

Stories by the Author

Harsh Victory at Position X

Commitment, sacrifice and luck secured a vital early win in the south-eastern campaign, but can Ukrainian forces press on?

23 Nov 23

Little remains of the island's lighthouse. Built in 1842 for the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Empire, it was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt in 1944. The incessant shelling for the control of the outpost left it again in ruins.

Little remains of the island's lighthouse. Built in 1842 for the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Empire, it was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt in 1944. The incessant shelling for the control of the outpost left it again in ruins. © Michael Shtekel/IWPR

A Visit to Snake Island

The Ukrainian army organised a press tour to the tiny rock outcrop with a huge strategic significance.

9 Jan 23

A sign warns against the danger of mines in the Black Sea. Russian forces have laid mines in the sea, while some parts of the seashore in Odesa were mined by Ukraine's Armed Forces to prevent Russian landing.

A sign warns against the danger of mines in the Black Sea. Russian forces have laid mines in the sea, while some parts of the seashore in Odesa were mined by Ukraine's Armed Forces to prevent Russian landing. © Micheal Shtekel

Deadly Mines Infest Odesa Coast

Explosive devices that can be triggered “by a strong wave” continue to endanger both civilian lives and shipping.

18 Jul 22

A pile of rubble is all that remains of Sea Pearl after a Russian air strike hit the family-run hotel in Zatoka, a beach village of 2,000 about 60 kilometres south of Odesa, on May 16. The neighbouring Villa Reef (on the right) was heavily damaged. Russia's plans to take over Odesa and its regions wiftly have failed but Ukraine's coast remains vulnerable to air strikes.

A pile of rubble is all that remains of Sea Pearl after a Russian air strike hit the family-run hotel in Zatoka, a beach village of 2,000 about 60 kilometres south of Odesa, on May 16. The neighbouring Villa Reef (on the right) was heavily damaged. Russia's plans to take over Odesa and its regions wiftly have failed but Ukraine's coast remains vulnerable to air strikes. © Michael Shtekel

Odesa Faces Grave Threats From Air and Sea

Although Russia’s plans to swiftly take the region failed, the coast remains highly vulnerable.

16 Jun 22

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