In the first four months of the war in Ukraine, American photographer Ron Haviv was able to follow people in the town of Irpin leaving their homes in horror and dead civilians lying on the streets of Bucha. He is sure that the previously unknown names of the Kiev suburbs will be entered into textbooks – as a symbol of the sacrifices made by Ukrainians not only for their country, but for the whole world.
Ron Haviv is a founding member of the VII Photo Agency and has been capturing conflict on camera for over 30 years. His work has taken him to former Yugoslavia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Mexico, among others. In total he highlighted 26 conflicts. He collaborated with “Doctors Without Borders”, the Red Cross and UNICEF.
Repeated stay in Ukraine
Last year, Haviv traveled to Ukraine several times on behalf of the international weekly “Economist” – describing to the magazine what he had observed in Bucha, Irpin, Kiev and Izyum. The independent news portal “Mediazona” published the translated interview so that it could also reach the Russian population.
Ethnic cleansing?
At the start of the war in Ukraine, Haviv spent a week photographing people fleeing Bucha and Irpin to the relatively safe capital of Kiev. What he saw could be described as ethnic cleansing.
Because the inhabitants of these cities would have turned their backs on their homeland simply because of their origins. Just because they were Ukrainians. People fled with white flags – hoping not to be shot – and ran past the dead. No idea where to – just away from hell.
War crimes in Bucha
The word Bucha, the photographer described, now stands for war crimes. Once he even accompanied forensic scientists there in their search for evidence of the terrible crimes.
In a building where Russian soldiers were stationed, corpses lay with their hands tied behind their backs. Haviv said he had last seen anything like it many years ago in what was then Yugoslavia.
Totally surreal mix of horror and bureaucracy
They discovered a mass grave near a church in Bucha – Then they dug up one body after another and tried to identify them with the help of relatives. According to the photographer, one photo in particular has stuck in his memory.
Ukrainians ready for prolonged conflict
During his last trip to Ukraine, he heard very different opinions about the war. While some called for Ukraine to be backed up with more arms supplies, others were trying to figure out when the madness would finally end.
In general, Haviv could see how tired people were. But they would have learned to survive in such conditions – knowing that the war would be a long time coming. Nevertheless, the national spirit of Ukrainians is strong. Many could have left the country, but stayed. Because this is her home. “They are Ukrainians and they want to live on Ukrainian soil,” Haviv concluded.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
