The War in Ukraine Through the Eyes of Photographers. February 11, 2026
This article provides an account of the ongoing war in Ukraine from a photographic perspective, highlighting key battles and developments since Russia's invasion.
The article reflects on the war in Ukraine starting from the unprovoked invasion by Russia on February 24, 2022. Initially, Kremlin propaganda boasted about capturing Kyiv within three days, but the strong resistance from the Ukrainian forces thwarted these plans. Following a series of setbacks, Russian forces retreated from the Kyiv region while continuing their aggression in other areas. The Ukrainian army managed to liberate parts of Kharkiv and portions of Kherson in the fall of 2022, raising hopes for a potential victory against the Russian military. However, the counteroffensive launched by Ukraine in the summer of 2023 did not achieve significant success, attributed to a lack of adequate weaponry from Western allies and the solid defensive lines established by the Russian army, coupled with extensive minefields. The article notes a pivotal moment in August 2024 when Ukraine invaded the Kursk region in Russia, marking the first time since World War II that foreign troops have occupied a part of Russian territory for an extended period. Furthermore, since the fall of 2024, Russia has escalated its military involvement against Ukraine, indicating a shift in the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. Photographers have documented these developments, providing a vivid visual narrative of the warβs reality and the lived experiences of individuals affected by the conflict. This ongoing struggle continues to influence not only regional stability but also international relations, as Western nations respond to the war's implications.