A man stands amid debris in front of a residential apartment complex that was heavily damaged by a Russian attack on March 18, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
A man stands amid debris in front of a residential apartment complex that was heavily damaged by a Russian attack on March 18, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. © Chris McGrath/Getty Images
People walk amid destruction as they evacuate from a contested frontline area between Bucha and Irpin on March 10, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine.
People walk amid destruction as they evacuate from a contested frontline area between Bucha and Irpin on March 10, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine. © Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Passengers depart the railway station after disembarking trains from the east on March 11, 2022 in Lviv, Ukraine.
Passengers depart the railway station after disembarking trains from the east on March 11, 2022 in Lviv, Ukraine. © Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Journalists are seen working on the doorstep of an hotel on Maidan Square on March 1, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Journalists are seen working on the doorstep of an hotel on Maidan Square on March 1, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. © Pierre Crom/Getty Images
Iryna, a volunteer in Ternopil, talks on the phone in the Veteran House building on March 10, 2022 in Ternopil, Ukraine.
Iryna, a volunteer in Ternopil, talks on the phone in the Veteran House building on March 10, 2022 in Ternopil, Ukraine. © Alexey Furman/Getty Images
A man rides his bike past destroyed buildings on March 03, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine.
A man rides his bike past destroyed buildings on March 03, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine. © Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at a residential apartment building after it was hit by a Russian attack in the early hours of the morning in the Sviatoshynskyi District on March 15, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at a residential apartment building after it was hit by a Russian attack in the early hours of the morning in the Sviatoshynskyi District on March 15, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. © Chris McGrath/Getty Images

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War Diary by Anthony Borden

"Why should young Ukrainians die just for the absolute absurdity of some medieval concept of history and empire?"

Anthony Borden

Anthony Borden
IWPR FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

twitter.com/tonyborden

Photo Galleries
The ruins of Petro's house after it was hit by four rockets.
The ruins of Petro's house after it was hit by four rockets. © IWPR
The wreckage of a bridge en route to the Polis’kyi region.
The wreckage of a bridge en route to the Polis’kyi region. © IWPR
Destroyed military equipment scattered across the road on the drive from Kyiv.
Destroyed military equipment scattered across the road on the drive from Kyiv. © IWPR
Leftover Russian ammunition lies abandoned in Zirka.
Leftover Russian ammunition lies abandoned in Zirka. © IWPR
The Maryanivka community centre, decorated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
The Maryanivka community centre, decorated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. © IWPR
Locals sit outside a typical wooden house in Zirka.
Locals sit outside a typical wooden house in Zirka. © IWPR
Children play in the village of Rahivka, south west of Zirka.
Children play in the village of Rahivka, south west of Zirka. © IWPR
Lyudmyla Yankina (left) distributes aid in the village of Rahivka
Lyudmyla Yankina (left) distributes aid in the village of Rahivka © IWPR
Halyna Mykytivna Semenenko, a former factory and post-office worker in the village of Zirka.
Halyna Mykytivna Semenenko, a former factory and post-office worker in the village of Zirka. © IWPR
Ruslana Morina (centre), a primary school teacher, stands with fellow locals.
Ruslana Morina (centre), a primary school teacher, stands with fellow locals.
A house in the village of Zirka.
A house in the village of Zirka.
Ihor Denysiuk, a builder and beekeeper in the village of Zirka.
Ihor Denysiuk, a builder and beekeeper in the village of Zirka. © IWPR
A water tower decnrated in the colours of the national flag lies destroyed in Zirka.
A water tower decnrated in the colours of the national flag lies destroyed in Zirka. © IWPR
A poster advertising tours of the Chernobyl former nuclear site.
A poster advertising tours of the Chernobyl former nuclear site. © IWPR
Storks come to nest in Zirka village.
Storks come to nest in Zirka village. © IWPR
The remnants of a Russian base lie abandoned in Luhovyky.
The remnants of a Russian base lie abandoned in Luhovyky. © IWPR
All that was left of an improvised base for Russian soldiers in Luhovyky.
All that was left of an improvised base for Russian soldiers in Luhovyky. © IWPR
The Russian soldiers left scattered remnants of equipment behind when they moved on from in Luhovyky.
The Russian soldiers left scattered remnants of equipment behind when they moved on from in Luhovyky.
Life on the Chernobyl Front
Women, children and elderly people make up the vast majority of those heading abroad, as men between 18 and 60 years of age are barred from leaving Ukraine.
Women, children and elderly people make up the vast majority of those heading abroad, as men between 18 and 60 years of age are barred from leaving Ukraine. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Olena Guzyova with her three children aged 12, eight and one year. She fled Shchastya, a town of 12,000 people near the contact line in Luhansk region shortly before the town came under heavy shelling. They are headed to Italy where Olena’s sister lives.
Olena Guzyova with her three children aged 12, eight and one year. She fled Shchastya, a town of 12,000 people near the contact line in Luhansk region shortly before the town came under heavy shelling. They are headed to Italy where Olena’s sister lives. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Entire lives are packed into a few suitcases as people flee their homes.
Entire lives are packed into a few suitcases as people flee their homes. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Sport centres, warehouses, shops and theatres have been transformed into shelters to accommodate Ukrainians fleeing across the country. Aid organisations and city authorities coordinate accommodation, medical assistance, warm meals and aid items.
Sport centres, warehouses, shops and theatres have been transformed into shelters to accommodate Ukrainians fleeing across the country. Aid organisations and city authorities coordinate accommodation, medical assistance, warm meals and aid items. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Ludwig Silven Tumnoue hugs his son Daniel in the Lviv shelter where they arrived after a 23-hour journey from eastern Ukraine. The 48-year-old moved from Cameroon to Ukraine 22 years ago as a university student.
Ludwig Silven Tumnoue hugs his son Daniel in the Lviv shelter where they arrived after a 23-hour journey from eastern Ukraine. The 48-year-old moved from Cameroon to Ukraine 22 years ago as a university student. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Ludwig Silven Tumnoue with his wife Natalya and 12-year-old son Daniel. The family is heading to Poland and once there will decide where to go. Cameroon, Tumnoue’s native country, is not an option due to boy’s special needs which require medical assistance not available there.
Ludwig Silven Tumnoue with his wife Natalya and 12-year-old son Daniel. The family is heading to Poland and once there will decide where to go. Cameroon, Tumnoue’s native country, is not an option due to boy’s special needs which require medical assistance not available there. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Nurlan with his wife Yulia and their daughter Nikita. The family has lived in Odesa for a decade after leaving their native Kazakstan due to the persecution the 67-year-old faced due to his work as a journalist.
Nurlan with his wife Yulia and their daughter Nikita. The family has lived in Odesa for a decade after leaving their native Kazakstan due to the persecution the 67-year-old faced due to his work as a journalist. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Kateryna Sergeyeva and her son Maxim left Kyiv after the TV tower was bombed in early March, claiming the lives of five people. The 45-year-old former athlete turned fitness coach will stay in Poland at a friend’s house.
Kateryna Sergeyeva and her son Maxim left Kyiv after the TV tower was bombed in early March, claiming the lives of five people. The 45-year-old former athlete turned fitness coach will stay in Poland at a friend’s house. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Inna Dmytrenko fled with her seven-year-old daughter Veronika and 17-year-old son Ilya from Brovary, a suburb of Kyiv which was heavily shelled by the Russian forces. The 43-year-old left behind an older son who has joined the territorial defence units in the capital.
Inna Dmytrenko fled with her seven-year-old daughter Veronika and 17-year-old son Ilya from Brovary, a suburb of Kyiv which was heavily shelled by the Russian forces. The 43-year-old left behind an older son who has joined the territorial defence units in the capital. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Anna Kamenkova has been working in Italy for several years but returned to Kyiv for medical treatment and was in hospital when the invasion began. She moved to the basement of a friend’s house and then managed to reach Lviv. The 37-year-old chef is heading back to Italy with 22-year-old Anastasia Gotsulyak.
Anna Kamenkova has been working in Italy for several years but returned to Kyiv for medical treatment and was in hospital when the invasion began. She moved to the basement of a friend’s house and then managed to reach Lviv. The 37-year-old chef is heading back to Italy with 22-year-old Anastasia Gotsulyak. © Oleksandr Solonenko
A journalist student in Kyiv, 22-year-old Anastasiya Gotsulyak is originally from Mykolayiv, a strategic port city in southern Ukraine. Her parents are close friends of Anna Kamenkova’s and she has joined her in her journey back to Italy.
A journalist student in Kyiv, 22-year-old Anastasiya Gotsulyak is originally from Mykolayiv, a strategic port city in southern Ukraine. Her parents are close friends of Anna Kamenkova’s and she has joined her in her journey back to Italy. © Oleksandr Solonenko
A kitten peeks from a bundle of blankets and backpacks. Many Ukrainians have endured long journeys with their pets.
A kitten peeks from a bundle of blankets and backpacks. Many Ukrainians have endured long journeys with their pets. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Two children stare out of the window as the evacuation train leaves Lviv and heads to the Polish border.
Two children stare out of the window as the evacuation train leaves Lviv and heads to the Polish border. © Oleksandr Solonenko
A train leaves for Przemysl, the Polish town on the border with Ukraine most refugees have been passing through as they flee Russia’s invasion.
A train leaves for Przemysl, the Polish town on the border with Ukraine most refugees have been passing through as they flee Russia’s invasion. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Volunteers with yellow ribbons and vests help people to board the evacuation train, making sure that families are not separated. Upon their arrival at the border, refugees can go to an emergency shelter or continue to other destinations across Poland and beyond.
Volunteers with yellow ribbons and vests help people to board the evacuation train, making sure that families are not separated. Upon their arrival at the border, refugees can go to an emergency shelter or continue to other destinations across Poland and beyond. © Oleksandr Solonenko
The staircase leading up to the platforms forms a chokepoint due to the sheer volume of people and their luggage.
The staircase leading up to the platforms forms a chokepoint due to the sheer volume of people and their luggage. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Volunteers distribute baby food on the platform where hundreds await the train heading to Poland.
Volunteers distribute baby food on the platform where hundreds await the train heading to Poland. © Oleksandr Solonenko
A child cries as her family is about to board the train, leaving the father behind.
A child cries as her family is about to board the train, leaving the father behind. © Oleksandr Solonenko
A man waves to his family from the platform. Men between 18 and 60 years of age are banned from leaving the country.
A man waves to his family from the platform. Men between 18 and 60 years of age are banned from leaving the country. © Oleksandr Solonenko
Lviv, a City at the Crossroads of Ukraine’s Refugee Crisis
A woman stands in the centre of Tiraspol, holding a No War sign. Public opinion about the war remains divided: there are between 100,000 and 120,000 Ukrainians living in the region, but ties with Russia are strong.
A woman stands in the centre of Tiraspol, holding a No War sign. Public opinion about the war remains divided: there are between 100,000 and 120,000 Ukrainians living in the region, but ties with Russia are strong. © Alexander Udodov
Tents and temporary sanitary facilities were set up at Kuchurgan-Pervomaisk, the main crossing point between Transnistria and Ukraine, in Odesa region. Ukraine shut its side of the border on February 28.
Tents and temporary sanitary facilities were set up at Kuchurgan-Pervomaisk, the main crossing point between Transnistria and Ukraine, in Odesa region. Ukraine shut its side of the border on February 28. © Alexander Udodov
The Transnistrian side of the now-closed Kuchurgan-Pervomaisk crossing point with Ukraine. The closest village on the other side is Mayak, about three kilometres away. Transnistria has welcomed up to 6,000 refugees.
The Transnistrian side of the now-closed Kuchurgan-Pervomaisk crossing point with Ukraine. The closest village on the other side is Mayak, about three kilometres away. Transnistria has welcomed up to 6,000 refugees. © Alexander Udodov
Food and basic items to be distributed to Ukrainian refugees in Palanca, a Moldovan village about 65 km from the Black Sea port of Odesa.
Food and basic items to be distributed to Ukrainian refugees in Palanca, a Moldovan village about 65 km from the Black Sea port of Odesa. © Alexander Udodov
A sign says No War in a Tiraspol apartment hosting refugees from Ukraine. Authorities have allocated temporary housing for Ukrainians crossing into Transnistria, with many residents making their homes available.
A sign says No War in a Tiraspol apartment hosting refugees from Ukraine. Authorities have allocated temporary housing for Ukrainians crossing into Transnistria, with many residents making their homes available. © Alexander Udodov
Job advertisements to work in Moscow and other Russian cities are an everyday sight in Transnistria. An estimated one third of the territory’s residents work in Russia. Leaflets offering jobs in Poland are also becoming more common.
Job advertisements to work in Moscow and other Russian cities are an everyday sight in Transnistria. An estimated one third of the territory’s residents work in Russia. Leaflets offering jobs in Poland are also becoming more common. © Alexander Udodov
A Russian flag painted on an apartment block in a residential area. Ties with Russia are profound, and Russians are about 29 per cent of the region’s 473,000 residents, making them the largest group.
A Russian flag painted on an apartment block in a residential area. Ties with Russia are profound, and Russians are about 29 per cent of the region’s 473,000 residents, making them the largest group. © Alexander Udodov
A supermarket belonging to Sheriff Ltd, the region’s largest holding. The company, created in the mid-1990s by Viktor Gusan and Ilya Kazmaly, is said to control 60 per cent of the economy. It comprises supermarkets, gas stations, hotels, a mobile phone network, bakeries and a distillery as well as a mini media empire of radio and TV stations.
A supermarket belonging to Sheriff Ltd, the region’s largest holding. The company, created in the mid-1990s by Viktor Gusan and Ilya Kazmaly, is said to control 60 per cent of the economy. It comprises supermarkets, gas stations, hotels, a mobile phone network, bakeries and a distillery as well as a mini media empire of radio and TV stations. © Alexander Udodov
An old woman begs in central Tiraspol by the equestrian monument dedicated to Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov, the Russian general who founded the city in 1792. Poverty is high, particularly among old people, and low salaries push hundreds out of the region every year in search of jobs.
An old woman begs in central Tiraspol by the equestrian monument dedicated to Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov, the Russian general who founded the city in 1792. Poverty is high, particularly among old people, and low salaries push hundreds out of the region every year in search of jobs. © Alexander Udodov
A lone musician busks in the centre of Tiraspol by a sign indicating that all the money raised will be donated to refugee assistance.
A lone musician busks in the centre of Tiraspol by a sign indicating that all the money raised will be donated to refugee assistance. © Alexander Udodov
A billboard reads Transnistria is Founded to Live on the flag of the breakaway republic, the only one in the world that still bears the hammer and sickle insignia. The banner marks the 30th anniversary of the de facto authorities’ declaration of independence, on September 2, 1990.
A billboard reads Transnistria is Founded to Live on the flag of the breakaway republic, the only one in the world that still bears the hammer and sickle insignia. The banner marks the 30th anniversary of the de facto authorities’ declaration of independence, on September 2, 1990. © Alexander Udodov
The entrance of one of Russia’s two military bases in the region. There is also another base in the city of Bender, but ordinary people do not have access to it.
The entrance of one of Russia’s two military bases in the region. There is also another base in the city of Bender, but ordinary people do not have access to it. © Alexander Udodov
The officers’ quarters of the Russian army in Tiraspol.
The officers’ quarters of the Russian army in Tiraspol. © Alexander Udodov
People queue at the cash machine of one of the branches of the Russian Sberbank bank in Tiraspol.
People queue at the cash machine of one of the branches of the Russian Sberbank bank in Tiraspol. © Alexander Udodov
A woman wears a mask on a bus in Tiraspol. The region has been supplied with Covid-19 vaccines from both the Russian Federation and Moldova. The authorities offer vaccines to Ukrainian refugees who have not been immunised.
A woman wears a mask on a bus in Tiraspol. The region has been supplied with Covid-19 vaccines from both the Russian Federation and Moldova. The authorities offer vaccines to Ukrainian refugees who have not been immunised. © Alexandru Vengher
An elderly woman wears a mask on a bus in Tiraspol.
An elderly woman wears a mask on a bus in Tiraspol. © Alexandru Vengher
A bust of Lenin sits in front of the House of Soviets, one of Tiraspol’s landmarks and home to the city’s de facto local authorities. Built in the 1950s, the four-storey building features a massive ten-column portico.
A bust of Lenin sits in front of the House of Soviets, one of Tiraspol’s landmarks and home to the city’s de facto local authorities. Built in the 1950s, the four-storey building features a massive ten-column portico. © Alexander Udodov
An imperious statue of Lenin guards Transnistria’s Brutalist de facto parliament in Tiraspol.
An imperious statue of Lenin guards Transnistria’s Brutalist de facto parliament in Tiraspol. © Alexander Udodov
A bust of Lenin in front of an administrative building in Tiraspol, with the territory’s red-green-red flag. Featuring a golden hammer and sickle, it was the official flag of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic until the fall of the USSR and was adopted by the region in 2000.
A bust of Lenin in front of an administrative building in Tiraspol, with the territory’s red-green-red flag. Featuring a golden hammer and sickle, it was the official flag of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic until the fall of the USSR and was adopted by the region in 2000. © Alexander Udodov
Ukrainians Seek Refuge in Transnistria
A man stands in front of the sign “I Love Ukraine” in Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the capital’s central square. Since the start of Ukraine's independence movement in 1990, the Maidan has been the site of political rallies including large-scale radical protest campaigns as well as the 2014 demonstrations. (February 24, 2022)
A man stands in front of the sign “I Love Ukraine” in Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the capital’s central square. Since the start of Ukraine's independence movement in 1990, the Maidan has been the site of political rallies including large-scale radical protest campaigns as well as the 2014 demonstrations. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
Queues at bank machines in Irpin, a town of 60,000 in the Kyiv region’s northwest. (February 24, 2022)
Queues at bank machines in Irpin, a town of 60,000 in the Kyiv region’s northwest. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
A message at a bank machine in Irpin states that it has run out of cash. (February 24, 2022)
A message at a bank machine in Irpin states that it has run out of cash. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
On the horizon smoke comes from the Hostomel airport. About 10 kilometres from Kyiv, Hostomel is a key international cargo airfield and home to the Antonov aircraft company. Kyiv forces re-took control of the airfield after Russian troops tried to seize it. (February 24, 2022)
On the horizon smoke comes from the Hostomel airport. About 10 kilometres from Kyiv, Hostomel is a key international cargo airfield and home to the Antonov aircraft company. Kyiv forces re-took control of the airfield after Russian troops tried to seize it. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
A long queue at a gas station starts in Irpin, just beyond Kyiv’s city boundary. (February 24, 2022)
A long queue at a gas station starts in Irpin, just beyond Kyiv’s city boundary. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
A poster in downtown Kyiv calls on Ukrainians to join the Territorial Defence Unit, a military reserve component of the armed forces with auxiliary functions. (February 24, 2022)
A poster in downtown Kyiv calls on Ukrainians to join the Territorial Defence Unit, a military reserve component of the armed forces with auxiliary functions. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
Khreshchatyk, Kyiv’s main street, is deserted in the early evening hours. (February 24, 2022)
Khreshchatyk, Kyiv’s main street, is deserted in the early evening hours. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
People with travel bags rushing to a shelter in the centre of Kyiv. (February 24, 2022)
People with travel bags rushing to a shelter in the centre of Kyiv. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
man sits in a parking lot in front of a closed shopping centre in Irpin, a town just beyond Kyiv’s city boundaries. (February 24, 2022)
man sits in a parking lot in front of a closed shopping centre in Irpin, a town just beyond Kyiv’s city boundaries. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
The deserted parking lot of a large shopping centre in Irpin. (February 24, 2022)
The deserted parking lot of a large shopping centre in Irpin. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
Lights in the gas station have been turned off, presumably to avoid drawing attention to crowded sites as the battle for control of the Hostomel airfield rages less than eight km away from Irpin. (February 24, 2022)
Lights in the gas station have been turned off, presumably to avoid drawing attention to crowded sites as the battle for control of the Hostomel airfield rages less than eight km away from Irpin. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
Vasily and Yesenia walk in the deserted centre of Kyiv. “We went out for a walk in the evening. We feel more scared at home." (February 24, 2022)
Vasily and Yesenia walk in the deserted centre of Kyiv. “We went out for a walk in the evening. We feel more scared at home." (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
Staff in a supermarket in Bucha send customers away as it now operates with reduced working hours. (February 24, 2022)
Staff in a supermarket in Bucha send customers away as it now operates with reduced working hours. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
Valery Fedulkin and Galina Fedulkina fled from Donetsk to Irpin in 2016 as they wanted to live away from the conflict. They lie on the bed near their “go” bags. (February 24, 2022)
Valery Fedulkin and Galina Fedulkina fled from Donetsk to Irpin in 2016 as they wanted to live away from the conflict. They lie on the bed near their “go” bags. (February 24, 2022) © IWPR
Civilians Take Cover as Russians Invade Kyiv
Lyudmila Kudelya, 73, hangs laundry near the ruins of her son's house, which burned down after a 120-mm mine hit their yard in February 2017. (February 3, 2022)
Lyudmila Kudelya, 73, hangs laundry near the ruins of her son's house, which burned down after a 120-mm mine hit their yard in February 2017. (February 3, 2022) © IWPR
Lyudmila on the doorstep of her house in Avdiivka. “Victor and I received this land slot from the [coke] plant. There was a pasture. We were young, strong. I remember on the first of May, on holidays, we cleared everything here and began to build the house.” (February 3, 2022)
Lyudmila on the doorstep of her house in Avdiivka. “Victor and I received this land slot from the [coke] plant. There was a pasture. We were young, strong. I remember on the first of May, on holidays, we cleared everything here and began to build the house.” (February 3, 2022) © IWPR
An abandoned house in the village of Pisky, in Donetsk region, bears the sign of heavy artillery. Before the war, the village had a population of about 3,000 people. Today only 40 remain, all of them elderly. (December 13, 2021)
An abandoned house in the village of Pisky, in Donetsk region, bears the sign of heavy artillery. Before the war, the village had a population of about 3,000 people. Today only 40 remain, all of them elderly. (December 13, 2021) © IWPR
A piano and the remains of belongings in an abandoned kindergarten in Pisky. The village lies a handful of kilometres from the airport of Donetsk. At the height of the fighting for the control of the airport, the village was a key crossing point for the Ukrainian army. The airport fell to the control of the Russian-backed militias in January 2015. (January 25, 2022)
A piano and the remains of belongings in an abandoned kindergarten in Pisky. The village lies a handful of kilometres from the airport of Donetsk. At the height of the fighting for the control of the airport, the village was a key crossing point for the Ukrainian army. The airport fell to the control of the Russian-backed militias in January 2015. (January 25, 2022) © IWPR
An old Soviet car in an abandoned house in Pisky, Donetsk region (December 13, 2021)
An old Soviet car in an abandoned house in Pisky, Donetsk region (December 13, 2021) © IWPR
A family photo album lies abandoned in an empty apartment building in Pisky, Donetsk region (January 25, 2022)
A family photo album lies abandoned in an empty apartment building in Pisky, Donetsk region (January 25, 2022) © IWPR
Sergiy, 58, at the window of his house in Avdiivka. In 2018, several 120 mm and 82 mm calibre mortar mines hit his yard. “A large mine fell in front of the house. A few more around the house. Thanks to the volunteers, one new window was set up. The second space for window I closed with boxes of sand. I do not want this all to start again. But I live in fear.” (February 3, 2022)
Sergiy, 58, at the window of his house in Avdiivka. In 2018, several 120 mm and 82 mm calibre mortar mines hit his yard. “A large mine fell in front of the house. A few more around the house. Thanks to the volunteers, one new window was set up. The second space for window I closed with boxes of sand. I do not want this all to start again. But I live in fear.” (February 3, 2022) © IWPR
An abandoned apartment building destroyed by heavy shelling in Pisky, Donetsk region. (December 15, 2021)
An abandoned apartment building destroyed by heavy shelling in Pisky, Donetsk region. (December 15, 2021) © IWPR
An abandoned house in the outskirts of Avdiivka. The city was subjected to constant heavy shelling between 2014 and 2018. (February 3, 2022)
An abandoned house in the outskirts of Avdiivka. The city was subjected to constant heavy shelling between 2014 and 2018. (February 3, 2022) © IWPR
In Avdiivka, Lidia, 61, looks after the house of her neighbour, Darya. In the spring of 2017, several 120 mm mortar rounds hit Darya’s yard. (February 3, 2022)
In Avdiivka, Lidia, 61, looks after the house of her neighbour, Darya. In the spring of 2017, several 120 mm mortar rounds hit Darya’s yard. (February 3, 2022) © IWPR
An abandoned house in the outskirts of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. Between January 29 and February 4 2017, the city was embroiled in heavy fighting, which left the city without electricity and heating for several days. (February 3, 2022)
An abandoned house in the outskirts of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. Between January 29 and February 4 2017, the city was embroiled in heavy fighting, which left the city without electricity and heating for several days. (February 3, 2022) © IWPR
Lyudmila, 73, stands near the remains of her son's house. (February 3, 2022)
Lyudmila, 73, stands near the remains of her son's house. (February 3, 2022) © IWPR
Lyudmila, 73, in her courtyard. After her son’s house was destroyed, he moved into a house in the same neighbourhood. (February 3, 2022)
Lyudmila, 73, in her courtyard. After her son’s house was destroyed, he moved into a house in the same neighbourhood. (February 3, 2022) © IWPR
A portrait of Victor Kudelya, Lyudmila’s husband, taken on February 25, 2017 after artillery from the Russian-backed militias hit his son’s house. He died in 2018.
A portrait of Victor Kudelya, Lyudmila’s husband, taken on February 25, 2017 after artillery from the Russian-backed militias hit his son’s house. He died in 2018. © IWPR
Abandoned apartment buildings in Pisky. (December 15, 2021) Due to the brutal shelling by the end of 2014, almost all residents had left the village.
Abandoned apartment buildings in Pisky. (December 15, 2021) Due to the brutal shelling by the end of 2014, almost all residents had left the village. © IWPR
Private houses, deeply damaged by shelling, in the outskirts of Avdiivka. The area between Avdiivka and the neighbouring Yasynuvata, under separatist control, remains one of the hotspots of the conflict. (February 3, 2022)
Private houses, deeply damaged by shelling, in the outskirts of Avdiivka. The area between Avdiivka and the neighbouring Yasynuvata, under separatist control, remains one of the hotspots of the conflict. (February 3, 2022) © IWPR
A damaged and abandoned private house in the outskirts of Avdiivka. (February 3, 2022)
A damaged and abandoned private house in the outskirts of Avdiivka. (February 3, 2022) © IWPR
Ukraine: Elderly People On the Frontline Battle Loneliness and Fear
Ukrainian servicemen in the trenches near the town of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. (January 8, 2022)
Ukrainian servicemen in the trenches near the town of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. (January 8, 2022) © IWPR
A Ukrainian serviceman fires a machine gun during a night battle with Russian-backed separatists in frontline positions near the village of Zolote, Luhansk region. (September 22, 2021)
A Ukrainian serviceman fires a machine gun during a night battle with Russian-backed separatists in frontline positions near the village of Zolote, Luhansk region. (September 22, 2021) © IWPR
Ukrainian servicemen in frontline positions in an industrial area close to the town of Avdiivka town, Donetsk region. (December 10, 2021)
Ukrainian servicemen in frontline positions in an industrial area close to the town of Avdiivka town, Donetsk region. (December 10, 2021) © IWPR
Ukrainian servicemen dig a trench along the frontline near the town of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. (January 8, 2022)
Ukrainian servicemen dig a trench along the frontline near the town of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. (January 8, 2022) © IWPR
Ukrainian servicemen move along frontline positions near the town of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. (January 8, 2022)
Ukrainian servicemen move along frontline positions near the town of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. (January 8, 2022) © IWPR
Ukrainian servicemen near the village of Zolote, Lugansk region. (January 22, 2022)
Ukrainian servicemen near the village of Zolote, Lugansk region. (January 22, 2022) © IWPR
A Ukrainian serviceman pets a cat while on duty at a frontline position near Avdiivka, Donetsk region. (January 9, 2022)
A Ukrainian serviceman pets a cat while on duty at a frontline position near Avdiivka, Donetsk region. (January 9, 2022) © IWPR
A Ukrainian soldier with his dog is on the frontline not far from the village of Zolote, Lugansk region. Only 16 people remain in the village. The youngest is 59 years old. (January 21, 2022)
A Ukrainian soldier with his dog is on the frontline not far from the village of Zolote, Lugansk region. Only 16 people remain in the village. The youngest is 59 years old. (January 21, 2022) © IWPR
A Ukrainian soldier walks along a trench at the front positions near the village of Zolote, Luhansk region. (January 22, 2022)
A Ukrainian soldier walks along a trench at the front positions near the village of Zolote, Luhansk region. (January 22, 2022) © IWPR
A poster of Russian President Vladimir Putin is used as target practice at the frontline position of Ukrainian Military Force near Zolote village, Lugansk region. (January 22, 2022)
A poster of Russian President Vladimir Putin is used as target practice at the frontline position of Ukrainian Military Force near Zolote village, Lugansk region. (January 22, 2022) © IWPR
A house destroyed by artillery in the village of Pisky, close to Donetsk airport. Before the war, the village had a population of about 3,000 people, today only 40 remain. (January 25, 2022)
A house destroyed by artillery in the village of Pisky, close to Donetsk airport. Before the war, the village had a population of about 3,000 people, today only 40 remain. (January 25, 2022) © IWPR
A dog wanders around the physics classroom in a school destroyed by artillery in the village of Pisky, controlled by the Ukrainian government. At the height of the fighting in 2014 and 2015, Ukrainian troops entered the Donetsk airport through Pisky. (January 25, 2022)
A dog wanders around the physics classroom in a school destroyed by artillery in the village of Pisky, controlled by the Ukrainian government. At the height of the fighting in 2014 and 2015, Ukrainian troops entered the Donetsk airport through Pisky. (January 25, 2022) © IWPR
Ukrainian servicemen prepare dinner in a shelter at a frontline position near the village of Verkhnetoretske, Donetsk region. (January 31, 2022)
Ukrainian servicemen prepare dinner in a shelter at a frontline position near the village of Verkhnetoretske, Donetsk region. (January 31, 2022) © IWPR
In the Trenches of Ukraine’s Long War
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