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
Journalists and residents stand as smoke rises after an attack by Russian army in Odessa, on April 3, 2022. Air strikes rocked Ukraine's strategic Black Sea port Odessa early Sunday morning, according to an interior ministry official, after Kyiv had warned that Russia was trying to consolidate its troops in the south.
Journalists and residents stand as smoke rises after an attack by Russian army in Odessa, on April 3, 2022. Air strikes rocked Ukraine's strategic Black Sea port Odessa early Sunday morning, according to an interior ministry official, after Kyiv had warned that Russia was trying to consolidate its troops in the south. © Bulent Kilic/AFP via Getty Images
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
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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Ukraine Voices

The Ukraine Voices project supports Ukrainian journalists reporting on the Russian invasion of their country.

Years active: 2022-present

IWPR’s Ukraine Voices programming has been supported by a number of valuable donors, including the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Views expressed in publications supported under Ukraine Voices are those of the author(s).

Latest Reports

Soledar, the town in Ukraine’s eastern region of Donetsk, is home to Europe’s largest salt deposits: a vast, cavernous network of underground tunnels extending for about 200 kilometres. Such is the scale of the mines that geologists claim that less than five per cent of the seam has been removed since industrial mining began in 1881. Explored reserves amount to about five billion tonnes.
Soledar, the town in Ukraine’s eastern region of Donetsk, is home to Europe’s largest salt deposits: a vast, cavernous network of underground tunnels extending for about 200 kilometres. Such is the scale of the mines that geologists claim that less than five per cent of the seam has been removed since industrial mining began in 1881. Explored reserves amount to about five billion tonnes. © Artemsil

Ukraine: The Battle for Soledar’s Salt Mines 

Russians took control of the symbolic town with commercial as well as strategic purposes in mind.

Ukrainian tank crew near Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine.
Ukrainian tank crew near Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine. © John Moore/Getty Images
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Ukraine: Sounds and Silence of a Long War

As the Ukrainian commander-in-chief warns of endless trench warfare, that’s exactly how it feels at the front.

Anthony Borden
Anthony Borden
IWPR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Chris McGrath/Getty Images
31 Jul 2024

Ukraine Justice Report - Issue 102

• Courtside: Court Begins Examining Evidence in Case of Russian POW
• Interview: A War Crime against the Environment
• Weekly Justice Briefing
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Graffiti of a child throwing a man over on the floor is seen on a wall amid damaged buildings in Borodyanka on November 09, 2022 in Kyiv Region, Ukraine. Borodyanka was hit particularly hard by Russian airstrikes in the first few weeks of the conflict.
Graffiti of a child throwing a man over on the floor is seen on a wall amid damaged buildings in Borodyanka on November 09, 2022 in Kyiv Region, Ukraine. Borodyanka was hit particularly hard by Russian airstrikes in the first few weeks of the conflict. © Ed Ram/Getty Images
Oleksandr Kamyshin is head of Ukraine’s rail state company.
Oleksandr Kamyshin is head of Ukraine’s rail state company. © Ukrzaliznytsia’s press office
Like any other Ukrainian, the last 12 months have presented Sevgil Musaieva, Ukrainska Pravda’s editor-in-chief, with innumerable challenges: from her team’s safety and security to the outlet’s financial support to how to operate amid power outages caused by Russian shelling.
Like any other Ukrainian, the last 12 months have presented Sevgil Musaieva, Ukrainska Pravda’s editor-in-chief, with innumerable challenges: from her team’s safety and security to the outlet’s financial support to how to operate amid power outages caused by Russian shelling. © Courtesy of S. Musaieva.
Iryna Kondratova is head of the Kharkiv Regional Perinatal Centre.
Iryna Kondratova is head of the Kharkiv Regional Perinatal Centre. © Ihor Tambiiev
Serhiy Prytula is a former TV presenter, actor and politician who has been fundraising since 2014 in the wake of the Kremlin’s annexation of Crimea.
Serhiy Prytula is a former TV presenter, actor and politician who has been fundraising since 2014 in the wake of the Kremlin’s annexation of Crimea. © Lesya Kharchenko
Ulyana Moroz, Lviv Puppet Theatre director.
Ulyana Moroz, Lviv Puppet Theatre director. © Still from video by Lviv Puppet Theatre.
A celebrated Ukrainian medic Yuliia Paevska, code name Taira, rose to fame on March 15, 2022 when she managed to smuggle out of Mariupol footage of the southern city under Russian siege. She was by Russian forces the day after and spent 94 days as a prisoner of war. She developed a course on tactical medicine and organised a unit of volunteers, called later the Angels of Taira, which has evacuated hundreds of wounded servicemen and civilians. © Courtesy of Y. Paevska.
A celebrated Ukrainian medic Yuliia Paevska, code name Taira, rose to fame on March 15, 2022 when she managed to smuggle out of Mariupol footage of the southern city under Russian siege. She was by Russian forces the day after and spent 94 days as a prisoner of war. She developed a course on tactical medicine and organised a unit of volunteers, called later the Angels of Taira, which has evacuated hundreds of wounded servicemen and civilians. © Courtesy of Y. Paevska. © Courtesy of Y. Paevska.
Olena Khromova and her husband Oleh opened the café Protagoniste in 2019 and planned to create a space to bring Kharkiv’s creative youth together.
Olena Khromova and her husband Oleh opened the café Protagoniste in 2019 and planned to create a space to bring Kharkiv’s creative youth together. © Liudmyla Budina

Ukraine: One Year On

IWPR looks at the impact of the full-scale invasion on ordinary Ukrainians.

Since February 24, 2022 Ukraine has withstood bombing, siege and unbearable atrocities. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has brought the worst destruction Europe has seen since WWII.

But the Russian missiles have not shattered Ukrainians’ resilience.

Read more
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Anthony Borden interviews Oleksandra Matviichuk, 2022 Nobel Peace Prize co-recipient & Head of the Centre for Civil Liberties, Ukraine
Ukraine: The Need for Military Aid
Photo Galleries
Ukrainians have dug trenches along the crescent-shaped 1,000km-long front. The ditches are surrounding with barbed wire; sandbags and wooden planks are positioned along the muddy walls.
Ukrainians have dug trenches along the crescent-shaped 1,000km-long front. The ditches are surrounding with barbed wire; sandbags and wooden planks are positioned along the muddy walls. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
Hay bales covered in snow in Donetsk region. Ukraine’s winter is harsh and unforgiving: while fighting along the frontline continues the gruelling frost has slowed combat operations.
Hay bales covered in snow in Donetsk region. Ukraine’s winter is harsh and unforgiving: while fighting along the frontline continues the gruelling frost has slowed combat operations. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
An artilleryman of the 21st Separate Mechanised Brigade works on the 2s1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, along the frontline in Donetsk region.
An artilleryman of the 21st Separate Mechanised Brigade works on the 2s1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, along the frontline in Donetsk region. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
In winter camouflage is arduous: with no leaves on the trees any colour changes are instantly noticeable in the all-white landscape.
In winter camouflage is arduous: with no leaves on the trees any colour changes are instantly noticeable in the all-white landscape. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
Mortar launchers of the Mariupol 56th separate motorised infantry brigade work with a 120-mm mortar at the Bakhmut direction,
Mortar launchers of the Mariupol 56th separate motorised infantry brigade work with a 120-mm mortar at the Bakhmut direction, © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
A serviceman with the infantry of the 24th Separate Mechanised Brigade. More than a million Ukrainian and Russian soldiers are estimated to be fighting in eastern Ukraine, as temperatures plummet and winter weather bites.
A serviceman with the infantry of the 24th Separate Mechanised Brigade. More than a million Ukrainian and Russian soldiers are estimated to be fighting in eastern Ukraine, as temperatures plummet and winter weather bites. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
A Ukrainian soldier in a “blindazh”, hidden bunker.
A Ukrainian soldier in a “blindazh”, hidden bunker. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
Cats are key allies in the trenches as they hunt mice, which infiltrate the ditches in search of food and warmth, at times chewing heating or internet cables.
Cats are key allies in the trenches as they hunt mice, which infiltrate the ditches in search of food and warmth, at times chewing heating or internet cables. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
The harsh winter conditions have slowed the pace of combat operations but fighting continues.
The harsh winter conditions have slowed the pace of combat operations but fighting continues. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
A cat resting with a soldier in a “blindazh, the soldiers’ dwellings in the trenches.
A cat resting with a soldier in a “blindazh, the soldiers’ dwellings in the trenches. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
Weaponry of the infantry of the 24th Separate Mechanised Brigade. Named after King Danylo it holds positions near Horlivka, a town occupied since 2014.
Weaponry of the infantry of the 24th Separate Mechanised Brigade. Named after King Danylo it holds positions near Horlivka, a town occupied since 2014. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
Fighting continues amid the gruelling winter cold.
Fighting continues amid the gruelling winter cold. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
An elderly couple living in a frontline village near Bakhmut shows photos of their children.
An elderly couple living in a frontline village near Bakhmut shows photos of their children. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
man living in a frontline village near Bakhmut, in Donetsk region, indicates where an artillery shell hit his yard, destroyed the kitchen and crushing his car.
man living in a frontline village near Bakhmut, in Donetsk region, indicates where an artillery shell hit his yard, destroyed the kitchen and crushing his car. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
Despite the fighting and the impossible conditions, civilians have trickled back to de-occupied Ukrainian towns close to the front.
Despite the fighting and the impossible conditions, civilians have trickled back to de-occupied Ukrainian towns close to the front. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
Artillerymen of the 21st Separate Mechanised Brigade work on the 2s1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system in Donetsk region.
Artillerymen of the 21st Separate Mechanised Brigade work on the 2s1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system in Donetsk region. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
A family in a de-occupied village near Lyman, in Donetsk region. On October 3, 2022 Ukrainian forces liberated the town, home to one of Ukraine’s railway hubs, and found that 80 per cent of the buildings had been damaged or destroyed.
A family in a de-occupied village near Lyman, in Donetsk region. On October 3, 2022 Ukrainian forces liberated the town, home to one of Ukraine’s railway hubs, and found that 80 per cent of the buildings had been damaged or destroyed. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
People in frontline communities are determined to stay and carry on their lives, but conditions are harsher in the winter months.
People in frontline communities are determined to stay and carry on their lives, but conditions are harsher in the winter months. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
Communities have stocked up on firewood, candles and gas canisters ahead of the winter months, but life along Ukraine’s fighting front remains precarious.
Communities have stocked up on firewood, candles and gas canisters ahead of the winter months, but life along Ukraine’s fighting front remains precarious. © Oleh Arkhanhorodsky
Along the Frontline in Ukraine’s Unforgiving Winter
“Happy Chanukah” and a menorah stitched on cloth during a children’s gathering at the Mygdal Jewish Centre.
“Happy Chanukah” and a menorah stitched on cloth during a children’s gathering at the Mygdal Jewish Centre. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
A giant menorah was erected in the heart of Odesa, close to the landmark statue of Duc de Richelieu, the Frenchman who played a key role in making Odesa a flourishing port. Only people with a special pass can access the area, which has been off limits since the beginning of the invasion.
A giant menorah was erected in the heart of Odesa, close to the landmark statue of Duc de Richelieu, the Frenchman who played a key role in making Odesa a flourishing port. Only people with a special pass can access the area, which has been off limits since the beginning of the invasion. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
A billboard reads “The brave carries the light”. It is dedicated to the city electricians working around the clock to repair the electric grid. Russian attacks in Odesa region has put the grid under pressure and left hundreds of thousands with no electricity or heating.
A billboard reads “The brave carries the light”. It is dedicated to the city electricians working around the clock to repair the electric grid. Russian attacks in Odesa region has put the grid under pressure and left hundreds of thousands with no electricity or heating. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
Mikhailo is about to light the first candle at the Mygdal Jewish Centre. A former student of the centre, he returned to Odesa from Lviv, where he currently lives, to celebrate Hannukah.
Mikhailo is about to light the first candle at the Mygdal Jewish Centre. A former student of the centre, he returned to Odesa from Lviv, where he currently lives, to celebrate Hannukah. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
Preparing the krustyky, traditional Ukrainian fried biscuits, at Odesa’s main Jewish community centre, Mygdal Jewish Centre.
Preparing the krustyky, traditional Ukrainian fried biscuits, at Odesa’s main Jewish community centre, Mygdal Jewish Centre. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
Children at the Odesa’s Mygdal Jewish Centre during Hannukah.
Children at the Odesa’s Mygdal Jewish Centre during Hannukah. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
Activities with children at Odesa’s Mygdal Jewish Centre during Hannukah.
Activities with children at Odesa’s Mygdal Jewish Centre during Hannukah. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
Activities with children at Odesa’s Mygdal Jewish Centre during Hannukah.
Activities with children at Odesa’s Mygdal Jewish Centre during Hannukah. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
Children prepare the dough that will be used to cook krustyky, traditional Ukrainian fried biscuits, at Odesa’s main Jewish community centre, Mygdal Jewish Centre.
Children prepare the dough that will be used to cook krustyky, traditional Ukrainian fried biscuits, at Odesa’s main Jewish community centre, Mygdal Jewish Centre. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
Two older people at the Odesa’s main Jewish community centre, Mygdal Jewish Centre.
Two older people at the Odesa’s main Jewish community centre, Mygdal Jewish Centre. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
Stained glass decorate the windows in Odesa’s main Jewish community centre, Mygdal Jewish Centre.
Stained glass decorate the windows in Odesa’s main Jewish community centre, Mygdal Jewish Centre. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
People gathering in Odesa’s main Jewish community centre, Mygdal Jewish Centre, ahead of lighting the third candle of Hannukah.
People gathering in Odesa’s main Jewish community centre, Mygdal Jewish Centre, ahead of lighting the third candle of Hannukah. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
Dim light in the Brod synagogue in Odesa. In Soviet times, the synagogue was closed and the building was handed over to the regional archive. While it has been recognised as a monument, the archive remains in the premises: the Jewish community has tried to get the building back to its sacred purpose but no decision has been taken.
Dim light in the Brod synagogue in Odesa. In Soviet times, the synagogue was closed and the building was handed over to the regional archive. While it has been recognised as a monument, the archive remains in the premises: the Jewish community has tried to get the building back to its sacred purpose but no decision has been taken. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
A couple eat at candlelight in a café in Odesa. Like most of Ukraine, the city remains in the dark as Russian shelling has been targeting power plants across the country, leaving millions with no electricity and no heating.
A couple eat at candlelight in a café in Odesa. Like most of Ukraine, the city remains in the dark as Russian shelling has been targeting power plants across the country, leaving millions with no electricity and no heating. © Zhenia Pedin / IWPR
Light Over Darkness: Hannukah in Odesa
Simple wooden crosses with numbers mark graves in Pishchanske cemetery on Shakespeare Street in Izyum’s outskirts, where Russians buried most of the residents who died during the occupation.
Simple wooden crosses with numbers mark graves in Pishchanske cemetery on Shakespeare Street in Izyum’s outskirts, where Russians buried most of the residents who died during the occupation. © Danil Pavlov
Employees of Ukraine’s state emergency service carry a body bag in the pine forest in the outskirts of the retaken town of Izyum. Ukrainian authorities discovered a mass burial site with hundreds of graves.
Employees of Ukraine’s state emergency service carry a body bag in the pine forest in the outskirts of the retaken town of Izyum. Ukrainian authorities discovered a mass burial site with hundreds of graves. © Danil Pavlov
Protected by head-to-toe suits and rubber gloves, workers recover the remains of the victims. They carefully collect and classify all possible objects, which could help to identify those buried in unmarked graves.
Protected by head-to-toe suits and rubber gloves, workers recover the remains of the victims. They carefully collect and classify all possible objects, which could help to identify those buried in unmarked graves. © Danil Pavlov
An investigator examines an exhumed body. As of November, 447 bodies had been found, of both military personnel and civilians, including children. On November 28, DNA analysis identified the body of Volodymyr Vakulenko, a young poet and writer, who kept a diary about Russian occupation and hid it under a cherry tree in his garden.
An investigator examines an exhumed body. As of November, 447 bodies had been found, of both military personnel and civilians, including children. On November 28, DNA analysis identified the body of Volodymyr Vakulenko, a young poet and writer, who kept a diary about Russian occupation and hid it under a cherry tree in his garden. © Danil Pavlov
A black bag containing an exhumed body from the mass grave in Izyum reads 344 “Unknown man”.
A black bag containing an exhumed body from the mass grave in Izyum reads 344 “Unknown man”. © Danil Pavlov
Police officers work in a tent near the mass burial site.
Police officers work in a tent near the mass burial site. © Danil Pavlov
A refrigerated truck transports exhumed bodies from Izyum’s mass grave site.
A refrigerated truck transports exhumed bodies from Izyum’s mass grave site. © Danil Pavlov
Priest Yuriy Potykun conducts a memorial service at the mass burial site in the forest on the outskirts of Izyum.
Priest Yuriy Potykun conducts a memorial service at the mass burial site in the forest on the outskirts of Izyum. © Danil Pavlov
Viktor Sytnyk, 64, holds the death certificate of his mother Natalia who died on May 21. After a rocket hit their house, she was rushed to the local hospital and underwent surgery, but died following a traumatic shock.
Viktor Sytnyk, 64, holds the death certificate of his mother Natalia who died on May 21. After a rocket hit their house, she was rushed to the local hospital and underwent surgery, but died following a traumatic shock. © Danil Pavlov
After detailing the circumstances of how his mother died to the prosecutor, Viktor Sytnyk signs a statement giving his consent to provide DNA samples and process personal data.
After detailing the circumstances of how his mother died to the prosecutor, Viktor Sytnyk signs a statement giving his consent to provide DNA samples and process personal data. © Danil Pavlov
Prosecutor Ivan Likhovyn sorts Viktor Sytnyk’s DNA samples. Cotton swabs are rubbed inside his cheek, packed in an envelope and sent for forensic analysis.
Prosecutor Ivan Likhovyn sorts Viktor Sytnyk’s DNA samples. Cotton swabs are rubbed inside his cheek, packed in an envelope and sent for forensic analysis. © Danil Pavlov
Prosecutor Ivan Likhovyn packs Viktor Sytnyk's DNA samples in an envelope. The sample will be added to the database with those collected from exhumed bodies in the mass grave to find a match.
Prosecutor Ivan Likhovyn packs Viktor Sytnyk's DNA samples in an envelope. The sample will be added to the database with those collected from exhumed bodies in the mass grave to find a match. © Danil Pavlov
The investigator records the details of the death of Victor Sytnyk's mother. By the time Viktor had arranged the funeral and returned to the morgue, his mother’s body was gone. He was told that a team organised by the occupation authorities had already taken it to the cemetery.
The investigator records the details of the death of Victor Sytnyk's mother. By the time Viktor had arranged the funeral and returned to the morgue, his mother’s body was gone. He was told that a team organised by the occupation authorities had already taken it to the cemetery. © Danil Pavlov
A woman sits with a prosecutor in Izyum’s makeshift police station in a former shopping centre. Residents who are trying to locate the bodies of their beloved queue to give testimonies and provide DNA samples.
A woman sits with a prosecutor in Izyum’s makeshift police station in a former shopping centre. Residents who are trying to locate the bodies of their beloved queue to give testimonies and provide DNA samples. © Danil Pavlov
A woman tries to connect a broken phone to a prosecutor's computer to show a copy of her dead mother's passport.
A woman tries to connect a broken phone to a prosecutor's computer to show a copy of her dead mother's passport. © Danil Pavlov
Viktor Sytnykin in the yard of his house. He is clinging on to the hope that the body of his 90-year-old mother Natalia will be identified. "I don't believe [the Russians] will be punished, but I want my mother to have at least a grave," the former forest ranger said.
Viktor Sytnykin in the yard of his house. He is clinging on to the hope that the body of his 90-year-old mother Natalia will be identified. "I don't believe [the Russians] will be punished, but I want my mother to have at least a grave," the former forest ranger said. © Danil Pavlov
Viktor Sytnyk near his house in Izyum. On May 21, a rocket fell in their yard, shattering the window in his mother Natalia’s room. She died from her injuries.
Viktor Sytnyk near his house in Izyum. On May 21, a rocket fell in their yard, shattering the window in his mother Natalia’s room. She died from her injuries. © Danil Pavlov
Viktor Sytnyk feeds cats in the kitchen of his house.
Viktor Sytnyk feeds cats in the kitchen of his house. © Danil Pavlov
Viktor Sytnyk shows a pillow cut by shrapnel, with which he covered his face to walk into his mother’s room after a rocket fell in their yard on May 21.
Viktor Sytnyk shows a pillow cut by shrapnel, with which he covered his face to walk into his mother’s room after a rocket fell in their yard on May 21. © Danil Pavlov
Local residents take all available wood from a destroyed school to use as firewood. There is no heating in the town, and electricity is limited to the bare minimum.
Local residents take all available wood from a destroyed school to use as firewood. There is no heating in the town, and electricity is limited to the bare minimum. © Danil Pavlov
A woman walks in front of the skeleton of a building in central Izyum. Hardly a building in the town is left undamaged.
A woman walks in front of the skeleton of a building in central Izyum. Hardly a building in the town is left undamaged. © Danil Pavlov
Ukrainian servicemen at the checkpoint at the entrance of Izyum. Russian troops retreated on September 10, six months after occupying the town in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian servicemen at the checkpoint at the entrance of Izyum. Russian troops retreated on September 10, six months after occupying the town in the Kharkiv region. © Danil Pavlov
What remains of the town’s bus station.
What remains of the town’s bus station. © Danil Pavlov
A chair with the Ukrainian flag sits in front of the heavily damaged building of Izyum’s district court.
A chair with the Ukrainian flag sits in front of the heavily damaged building of Izyum’s district court. © Danil Pavlov
Ukraine: “I Want My Mother to Have a Grave”
A resident ventures out of his apartment block in north Saltivka. (April 2022)
A resident ventures out of his apartment block in north Saltivka. (April 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
Serhiy, 59, cooks dinner with neighbours and friends on a open fire in the yard of his apartment block. (May 2022)
Serhiy, 59, cooks dinner with neighbours and friends on a open fire in the yard of his apartment block. (May 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
A resident in north Saltivka’s Str. Nataly Uzhviy street chops trees. The whole area lacks electricity and gas and people resort to cutting trees to cook and warm themselves. (May 2022)
A resident in north Saltivka’s Str. Nataly Uzhviy street chops trees. The whole area lacks electricity and gas and people resort to cutting trees to cook and warm themselves. (May 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
Saltivka resident shows a soldier the most damaged places in Barabasovo market. (April 2022)
Saltivka resident shows a soldier the most damaged places in Barabasovo market. (April 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
Firefighters brigade rush to Nataly Uzhviy street as Russian troops shell the northern area of Saltivka. (April 2022)
Firefighters brigade rush to Nataly Uzhviy street as Russian troops shell the northern area of Saltivka. (April 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
A destroyed Russian tank sits abandoned on tram tracks in south Saltivka. (April 2022)
A destroyed Russian tank sits abandoned on tram tracks in south Saltivka. (April 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
Firefighters tame a fire in an apartment block on. Lesya Serduka streets after rockets were fired on north Saltivka. (April 2022)
Firefighters tame a fire in an apartment block on. Lesya Serduka streets after rockets were fired on north Saltivka. (April 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
A woman rides her bicycle trough destroyed houses and deserted streets in north Saltivka in early April when the district suffered some of the most intense shelling. (April 2022)
A woman rides her bicycle trough destroyed houses and deserted streets in north Saltivka in early April when the district suffered some of the most intense shelling. (April 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
A room in the half-destroyed School 172 is used as a communal kitchen with an open fire. (April 2022)
A room in the half-destroyed School 172 is used as a communal kitchen with an open fire. (April 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
Weeks of relentless shelling has left the sprawling district littered with burned car and destroyed houses. (April 2022)
Weeks of relentless shelling has left the sprawling district littered with burned car and destroyed houses. (April 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
A man stares at his flat struck by a Russian rocket in mid-April 2022.
A man stares at his flat struck by a Russian rocket in mid-April 2022. © Oleksandr Magula
A destroyed house with graffiti reading "Люди" – People. (April 2022)
A destroyed house with graffiti reading "Люди" – People. (April 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
Mykhail indicates what remains of his apartment after a day of shelling. His block still stands, but little more than ash remains of many flats. (May 2022)
Mykhail indicates what remains of his apartment after a day of shelling. His block still stands, but little more than ash remains of many flats. (May 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
Panorama view of North Saltivka and abandoned apartments. (May 2022)
Panorama view of North Saltivka and abandoned apartments. (May 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
A view of what remains of Lesya Serdyka street. (May 2022)
A view of what remains of Lesya Serdyka street. (May 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
A Ukrainian army checkpoint during a demining operation in northern Saltivka. Mines as well as remnants of rockets, abandoned military vehicles and also widely banned cluster munitions are all across the district. (May 2022)
A Ukrainian army checkpoint during a demining operation in northern Saltivka. Mines as well as remnants of rockets, abandoned military vehicles and also widely banned cluster munitions are all across the district. (May 2022) © Oleksandr Magula
Kharkiv’s Ghost District
The troupe of the Drama Theater of Mariupol at the end of the play.
The troupe of the Drama Theater of Mariupol at the end of the play. © Sergey Hudak
Ihor Kitrysh and Olena Bila, both 41, worked together in Mariupol for 19 years. After a Russian rocket destroyed their apartment, the couple and their ten-year-old son moved in to the theatre’s costume workshop. On March 15, they decided to leave and head to the Kharkiv region, where Ihor is originally from. From there, they traveled to Chernivtsi, western Ukraine, where they worked in the local theatre. They then moved to Uzhhorod when they learnt that the crew would revive the theatre there.
Ihor Kitrysh and Olena Bila, both 41, worked together in Mariupol for 19 years. After a Russian rocket destroyed their apartment, the couple and their ten-year-old son moved in to the theatre’s costume workshop. On March 15, they decided to leave and head to the Kharkiv region, where Ihor is originally from. From there, they traveled to Chernivtsi, western Ukraine, where they worked in the local theatre. They then moved to Uzhhorod when they learnt that the crew would revive the theatre there. © Sergey Hudak
Actor Dmytro Murantsev, 22, was in the theatre basement with his girlfriend when the Russians shelled the building. They survived because they stayed down as his girlfriend was cooking fish on a fire. When the basement filled with dust, they managed to get out. “I remember that it was cold and that we ran. I was in my Spiderman pyjamas.”
Actor Dmytro Murantsev, 22, was in the theatre basement with his girlfriend when the Russians shelled the building. They survived because they stayed down as his girlfriend was cooking fish on a fire. When the basement filled with dust, they managed to get out. “I remember that it was cold and that we ran. I was in my Spiderman pyjamas.” © Sergey Hudak
Lyudmila Kolosovych follows the rehearsal of Cry of a Nation. The 58-year-old acting director of the Mariupol Drama Theater joined the crew in 2020. “I chose to relocate to Uzhhorod because it is the farthest point from military operations. In such conditions, actors will be able to be calm and focus on their work.”
Lyudmila Kolosovych follows the rehearsal of Cry of a Nation. The 58-year-old acting director of the Mariupol Drama Theater joined the crew in 2020. “I chose to relocate to Uzhhorod because it is the farthest point from military operations. In such conditions, actors will be able to be calm and focus on their work.” © Sergey Hudak
Vera Lebedynska, 64, sheltered from the shelling in the theatre for two weeks. She survived the March 16 attack. "We ran over corpses," she recalled. It took her eight days to get from Mariupol to Zaporizhzhia. Traumatised, she made it to the Lviv region where she stopped, trying to recover. But when she heard about the revival of the Mariupol theatre, "I immediately said ‘I'm coming!"
Vera Lebedynska, 64, sheltered from the shelling in the theatre for two weeks. She survived the March 16 attack. "We ran over corpses," she recalled. It took her eight days to get from Mariupol to Zaporizhzhia. Traumatised, she made it to the Lviv region where she stopped, trying to recover. But when she heard about the revival of the Mariupol theatre, "I immediately said ‘I'm coming!" © Sergey Hudak
Anatoly Shevchenko, 68, has been with the Mariupol Drama Theatre’s crew for 23 years. He endured the shelling of the port city with his mother and sister. When his mother died of a heart attack, Shevchenko could not bury her. He still struggles to come to terms with it. Together with his sister he was sent to a filtration camp and then to Russia. From there they managed to get to Georgia, then to Germany and Poland. Finally, they made it back into Ukraine.
Anatoly Shevchenko, 68, has been with the Mariupol Drama Theatre’s crew for 23 years. He endured the shelling of the port city with his mother and sister. When his mother died of a heart attack, Shevchenko could not bury her. He still struggles to come to terms with it. Together with his sister he was sent to a filtration camp and then to Russia. From there they managed to get to Georgia, then to Germany and Poland. Finally, they made it back into Ukraine. © Sergey Hudak
People look at photographs from the frontline in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, by photojournalist Serhiy Vaganov. An exhibition was organised in the foyer of the Transcarpathian Regional Music and Drama Theatre in Uzhhorod.
People look at photographs from the frontline in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, by photojournalist Serhiy Vaganov. An exhibition was organised in the foyer of the Transcarpathian Regional Music and Drama Theatre in Uzhhorod. © Sergey Hudak
A member of Ukraine’s armed forces stares at photographs from the frontline in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, by photojournalist Serhiy Vaganov.
A member of Ukraine’s armed forces stares at photographs from the frontline in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, by photojournalist Serhiy Vaganov. © Sergey Hudak
Uzhhorod writer Bundy Sholtes in the foyer of the Transcarpathian Regional Music and Drama Theatre.
Uzhhorod writer Bundy Sholtes in the foyer of the Transcarpathian Regional Music and Drama Theatre. © Sergey Hudak
The seven actors in a scene of Cry of a Nation.
The seven actors in a scene of Cry of a Nation. © Sergey Hudak
Ihor Kitrysh as Vasyl Stus, a Ukrainian writer who died in a Soviet labor camp in 1985 at the age of 47.
Ihor Kitrysh as Vasyl Stus, a Ukrainian writer who died in a Soviet labor camp in 1985 at the age of 47. © Sergey Hudak
A scene from the play Cry of a Nation.
A scene from the play Cry of a Nation. © Sergey Hudak
The stage of the Mariupol theatre during Cry of a Nation.
The stage of the Mariupol theatre during Cry of a Nation. © Sergey Hudak
Ihor Kitrysh and Olena Bila and their ten-year-old son Matviy in their role of Vasyl Stus, his wife and son Dmytro.
Ihor Kitrysh and Olena Bila and their ten-year-old son Matviy in their role of Vasyl Stus, his wife and son Dmytro. © Sergey Hudak
A scene from the performance of Cry of a Nation.
A scene from the performance of Cry of a Nation. © Sergey Hudak
Cry of the Nation ends with Stus' call to fight for Ukraine and the audience breaks into a standing ovation.
Cry of the Nation ends with Stus' call to fight for Ukraine and the audience breaks into a standing ovation. © Sergey Hudak
Mariupol Drama Theatre actors at the end of their first show since the bombing of the building on March 16.
Mariupol Drama Theatre actors at the end of their first show since the bombing of the building on March 16. © Sergey Hudak
A woman wipes her tears after the performance Cry of a Nation.
A woman wipes her tears after the performance Cry of a Nation.
Mariupol Theatre’s Actors Interpret the Cry of a Nation
Vasyl leaves the battlefield after being wounded. He lost his son, a soldier, in early March.
Vasyl leaves the battlefield after being wounded. He lost his son, a soldier, in early March. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Russian T-72 tank on fire after a clash with the armed forces of Ukraine, Lugansk region.
Russian T-72 tank on fire after a clash with the armed forces of Ukraine, Lugansk region. © Anatoliy Stepanov
A Ukrainian MLRS Grad is shot from Ukrainian positions in Luhansk region.
A Ukrainian MLRS Grad is shot from Ukrainian positions in Luhansk region. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Ukrainian soldiers fight near the village of Zolote, Lugansk region.
Ukrainian soldiers fight near the village of Zolote, Lugansk region. © Anatoliy Stepanov
A Ukrainian soldier walks near a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Gusarovka, in Kharkiv region.
A Ukrainian soldier walks near a destroyed Russian tank in the village of Gusarovka, in Kharkiv region. © Anatoliy Stepanov
A soldier's boot splattered with blood in the waiting room of a military hospital in Kramatorsk, north of Donetsk.
A soldier's boot splattered with blood in the waiting room of a military hospital in Kramatorsk, north of Donetsk. © Anatoliy Stepanov
A Ukrainian tanker surfaces from the military vehicle after a successful battle south of Kharkiv region.
A Ukrainian tanker surfaces from the military vehicle after a successful battle south of Kharkiv region. © Anatoliy Stepanov
A Ukrainian soldier walks past a missile from the MLRS Uragan at a frontline position near Izyum. The town, about 124 kilometres south of Kharkiv, was the site of a fierce battle as Russian sought to control it due to its importance as a transport node.
A Ukrainian soldier walks past a missile from the MLRS Uragan at a frontline position near Izyum. The town, about 124 kilometres south of Kharkiv, was the site of a fierce battle as Russian sought to control it due to its importance as a transport node. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Ukrainian soldiers preparing for an attack in Luhansk region.
Ukrainian soldiers preparing for an attack in Luhansk region. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Ukrainian artillerymen rest at their positions in the Lugansk region.
Ukrainian artillerymen rest at their positions in the Lugansk region. © Anatoliy Stepanov
A military medic and police officers try to help people after a rocket attack on the railway station in Kramatorsk, a city with a pre-war population of 157,000, north of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine.
A military medic and police officers try to help people after a rocket attack on the railway station in Kramatorsk, a city with a pre-war population of 157,000, north of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Eva plays with her kitten near the shelter where she lives with her mother and brother in the city of Rubizhne, about 117 kilometres north of Luhansk.
Eva plays with her kitten near the shelter where she lives with her mother and brother in the city of Rubizhne, about 117 kilometres north of Luhansk. © Anatoliy Stepanov
A resident of the city of Lysychansk walks past the remains of a Smerch rocket on a city street in April.
A resident of the city of Lysychansk walks past the remains of a Smerch rocket on a city street in April. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Residents of Lysychansk examine the crater from the explosion of a FAB 500 air bomb in the courtyard of a multi-storey building in mid-April.
Residents of Lysychansk examine the crater from the explosion of a FAB 500 air bomb in the courtyard of a multi-storey building in mid-April. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Kharkiv residents in the city’s Geroev Pratsi metro station. Many families have sheltered in metro stations for over two months.
Kharkiv residents in the city’s Geroev Pratsi metro station. Many families have sheltered in metro stations for over two months. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Residents of Lyman, a town controlled by the Russian-backed separatists of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, in an armoured bus during the evacuation of the village of Rayhorodka, Donetsk region.
Residents of Lyman, a town controlled by the Russian-backed separatists of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, in an armoured bus during the evacuation of the village of Rayhorodka, Donetsk region. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Volunteers carry Lyman resident Nina Tikhomirova on a stretcher into an ambulance during her evacuation from the village of Raigorodka, Donetsk region.
Volunteers carry Lyman resident Nina Tikhomirova on a stretcher into an ambulance during her evacuation from the village of Raigorodka, Donetsk region. © Anatoliy Stepanov
A private house destroyed by an artillery shell in the village of Mykolaivka, Donetsk region.
A private house destroyed by an artillery shell in the village of Mykolaivka, Donetsk region. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Employees of Ukraine’s state emergency situations service help a disabled person during the evacuation of civilians at the railway station in the city of Pokrovsk, in Donetsk region.
Employees of Ukraine’s state emergency situations service help a disabled person during the evacuation of civilians at the railway station in the city of Pokrovsk, in Donetsk region. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Residents of Severodonetsk hide in the basement of a house during artillery shelling.
Residents of Severodonetsk hide in the basement of a house during artillery shelling. © Anatoliy Stepanov
A wounded resident of Severodonetsk in the hospital before surgery. A shell exploded in his yard in April.
A wounded resident of Severodonetsk in the hospital before surgery. A shell exploded in his yard in April. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Residents of Severodonetsk come out of hiding after shelling, four days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Residents of Severodonetsk come out of hiding after shelling, four days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
An apartment building in Bakhmut destroyed by rocket fire on June 13, 2022. Civilians feel the onslaught of advancing Russian troops in the city located about 60 kilometres south-west of Severodonetsk and is located on the main road leading to the city at the epicentre of the fighting.
An apartment building in Bakhmut destroyed by rocket fire on June 13, 2022. Civilians feel the onslaught of advancing Russian troops in the city located about 60 kilometres south-west of Severodonetsk and is located on the main road leading to the city at the epicentre of the fighting. © Anatoliy Stepanov
Ukraine: The Fight for the “Dead Cities”
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
IWPR Founder and Executive Director Anthony Borden reporting from Mykolaiv, Ukraine, 10 May, 2022. © IWPR

Ukraine War Diary

Reporting from Ukraine by IWPR founder and executive director Anthony Borden.
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Journalism in Conflict: Reporting from Ukraine and Beyond

Founder Anthony Borden reflects on the 30-year journey of IWPR and how local voices meet the challenge of global disinformation.
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Ukraine Justice Report

Ukraine Justice Report provides updated and in-depth coverage of judicial processes taking place across the country. 
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The Reckoning Project: Ukraine Testifies

The Reckoning Project aim is to ensure that as the war retreats from the front pages, justice in all its forms is not forgotten.
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