Capturing the Human Cost of War: The Stories Behind Ukraine’s Photojournalism

Over three years since Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian photojournalists narrate their transformative journey from wedding photographers to chroniclers of wartime suffering, capturing moments of both heartbreak and joy amidst conflict.

In the three years since Russia's full-scale invasion began, Ukraine's photojournalists have transformed their craft to document the harrowing human toll of the war both on the front lines and in civilian areas. They have shared poignant stories behind their photographs featured in extensive media coverage since February 2022.

Husband and wife duo Vlada and Kostiantyn Liberov transitioned from capturing wedding moments in Odesa to revealing the grim realities of war. Vlada recounted the risks inherent in their work, disclosing her injury from an explosion in Donetsk, with shrapnel remaining lodged in her side. Their narrative includes powerful images from the ongoing conflict, such as Kostiantyn’s photograph portraying a soldier consoling a comrade following the loss of a friend during an assault in Kursk. The image resonates with the emotional struggle soldiers face, as Kostiantyn explained, reflecting the complex dynamics of fighting in enemy territory.

Amidst the relentless documentation of heartache, Vlada expressed the emotional toll it takes on her and her colleagues. Memories linger, especially concerning moments like one of her photographs, where a police officer pleads with a resident to evacuate the besieged Aviidvka. The next day, she faced the grim reality of not being able to return due to intense shelling, an illustration of war’s unpredictable cruelty.

Photographers have also found renewed appreciation for fleeting moments of joy amid turmoil. Dmytro, a soldier captured after his wife gave birth, highlights their efforts not just for survival, but for creating cherished memories amid chaos — an emotional juxtaposition of a soldier’s life.

Valeria Demenko, who has been capturing the work of Ukraine’s emergency services in Sumy since 2016, also narrates harrowing experiences at the scenes of devastation from Russian attacks. One memory lingers vividly: attending to a collapsed residential building for four days where four bodies were found, but the search for a missing girl continued fruitlessly, a symbol of innocence lost amidst the horrors of war.

Similarly, seasoned photojournalist Alexander Ermochenko, who has reported in Russian-held territories, emphasizes the shared suffering across the conflict lines. He recalls capturing the stark reactions of ordinary citizens in destroyed homes, illustrating that suffering knows no allegiance.

Alina Smutko, echoing her colleagues, shared her personal struggles as she navigated ongoing threats to her life and that of her loved ones while documenting the war. Emphasizing the significance of their work, she stated, “If something hasn’t been photographed, it hasn’t happened,” shedding light on the necessity of documenting the conflict’s grim reality despite inherent risks and losses in their profession.

Through powerful images and emotional narratives, Ukraine's photojournalists reveal the human dimensions of their stories, reflecting a commitment to bearing witness during chaotic times.