Wounded Souls

Wounded Souls is a series of portraits created in war-torn Ukraine – in the heart of the conflict, where the daily struggle of soldiers takes place not only on the battlefield. Each photograph captures a moment in which the thousand-yard stare reveals emotional and psychological scars – a testament to the pain endured, the hardships of war, and, at times, the cruelty of captivity. The eyes of these heroes express both pain and emptiness, while simultaneously reflecting an indomitable, (super)human will to survive that defies the boundaries of imagination. I am proud to present frames that not only reveal the wounds inflicted by war, but also reflect the extraordinary courage of those who, despite their traumatic experiences, agreed to stand in front of my lens. Through their willingness, I was able to capture fragments of their touching stories and preserve the essence of their wounded souls. Among them are individuals whose stories inspire admiration and teach humility. The youngest soldier in the battalion – an only child who, against his parents' will, joined the army, showing maturity beyond his years. A combat medic who, despite losing a significant amount of weight, endured brutal torture during nearly a year in captivity. A martial arts champion currently fighting for physical recovery after being injured by an enemy drone. The Chief of Staff of a special brigade, whose decisions have critical implications on the battlefield. A BMP-2 gunner who survived two years of fighting in the most intense front-line combat zones, leaving behind the nobler sides of human nature and becoming a mental support for many. And, finally, a Hero of Ukraine – the commander of the heroic defense of Mariupol and Azovstal, a living symbol of unwavering determination and composure in the most hopeless of situations. This series was created over a year and a half during my trips to the frontlines to provide aid. The presented works are not just a record of these experiences but also a call for remembrance and understanding for those who sacrificed everything they had in defense of what they stand for and believe in.