Still Children

Three years along Ukraine's frontline

This series of photographs was created over the course of three years during journeys to Ukraine’s frontline territories. The project focuses on observing the lives of children and their families in settlements situated near the combat zone. It documents the everyday reality shaped by war and preserves a visual record of childhood under these circumstances.

The photographs were made directly during humanitarian missions whose purpose was to organize celebrations and support activities for children living in frontline communities. Over three years, the photographer was able to document the lives of children in most of Ukraine’s regions bordering the front line.

The images were created without staging or reconstruction. Each photograph captures a real moment of life, recorded through the photographer’s direct presence alongside the people affected by the war.

The exhibition presents life as it continues — despite danger, despite uncertainty.

These moments truly happened.

To be present is sometimes to see more than can be put into words.

Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. Summer 2025.
Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. Summer 2025.
Mykolaiv region, Ukraine. Autumn 2025.
Mykolaiv region, Ukraine. Autumn 2025.
Children during a Christmas event organized by volunteers.
Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. 2025.
Children during a Christmas event organized by volunteers. Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. 2025.
Children during an event organized by volunteers.
Mykolaiv region, Ukraine. Autumn 2025.
Children during an event organized by volunteers. Mykolaiv region, Ukraine. Autumn 2025.
Mykolaiv region, Ukraine. Autumn 2025.
Mykolaiv region, Ukraine. Autumn 2025.
The inscription "PEOPLE" on the gate of a house.
Donetsk region, Ukraine. November 2024.
The inscription "PEOPLE" on the gate of a house. Donetsk region, Ukraine. November 2024.
A girl with a toy received from volunteers.
Donetsk region, Ukraine. Autumn 2024.
A girl with a toy received from volunteers. Donetsk region, Ukraine. Autumn 2024.
A boy who lives 20 km from the front line.
Donetsk region, Ukraine. Autumn 2024.
A boy who lives 20 km from the front line. Donetsk region, Ukraine. Autumn 2024.
Druzhkivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine. Autumn 2024.
Druzhkivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine. Autumn 2024.
A toy among the ruins of a residential building destroyed by shelling.
Izium, Kharkiv region, Ukraine. 2024.
A toy among the ruins of a residential building destroyed by shelling. Izium, Kharkiv region, Ukraine. 2024.
A child holding their grandmother's hand.
Trostianets, Sumy region, Ukraine. Winter 2024.
A child holding their grandmother's hand. Trostianets, Sumy region, Ukraine. Winter 2024.
Christmas gifts for children beside defensive barriers.
Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. Winter 2024.
Christmas gifts for children beside defensive barriers. Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. Winter 2024.
Izium, Kharkiv region, Ukraine. 2024.
Izium, Kharkiv region, Ukraine. 2024.
Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. Summer 2025.
Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine. Summer 2025.
Mykolaiv region, Ukraine. Autumn 2025.
Mykolaiv region, Ukraine. Autumn 2025.
A destroyed residential building.
Border of Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, Ukraine. Autumn 2025.
A destroyed residential building. Border of Mykolaiv and Kherson regions, Ukraine. Autumn 2025.