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Ukraine, 2022 - Ongoing
The war in Eastern Ukraine continues to escalate into its third year since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion in February 2022, following years of diplomatic tensions. Fighting first erupted in Ukraine’s eastern regions in 2014, and since that time, millions of civilians have been forced from their homes. Many fled to Western Ukraine or sought refuge across Europe. Others chose to stay behind. In frontline towns, daily life became unbearable. Civilians sheltered in basements of bombed and burned-out buildings, often without electricity, running water, or heating. Under the constant threat of artillery fire, aerial bombardment, and drone strikes, they relied heavily on volunteers who delivered drinking water, food, and fuel to power generators. In 2023, Russian forces increasingly targeted critical civilian infrastructure, pushing Ukraine’s energy system toward collapse. Entire communities were left without electricity, water, or heating, particularly during winter. Civilian gatherings were also repeatedly hit by ballistic missiles. Among the deadliest attacks were the strike on the RIA restaurant in Kramatorsk in June, the Druzhba Hotel in Pokrovsk in August, and a café in the village of Hroza in October, where nearly one-fifth of the population was killed during a reburial vigil. By 2024, Russian troops were making slow but steady advances in the Donetsk region, aided by new weapons such as glide bombs and fibre-optic drones. At the same time, Ukrainian forces launched an offensive into Russia’s Kursk region, marking the most significant breach of Russian territory since World War II. The operation proved controversial amid Ukraine's severe manpower shortages. Aggressive recruitment practices fueled public fear, driving many civilians into hiding to avoid being sent to the front with minimal training. In 2025, the war settled into a grinding phase of attrition. Long-range missile and drone strikes intensified, especially against energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts and deepening the humanitarian crisis during winter. Fighting remained concentrated in eastern and southern Ukraine, with limited territorial gains achieved at high costs. We also saw different attempts by the USA to broker a peace deal. The relentless bombardments have left a trail of destruction, crippling Ukraine's infrastructure, economy, and way of life, leaving every Ukrainian affected by the ongoing conflict. The creation of this body of work was possible thanks to the help of local producers Alexey, Dmytro and Kirill and with the support of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine. World Report Award SBS Italian - Intervista Walkley Award The Walkley Awards - Photo Essay Category Walkley Awards - The Guardian Indian Photo Festival Ms. Magazine |
