Ukrainian Photographer Shares Heartbreaking Photos Of War

Ukrainian photographer, Sergi Mykhalchuk, shares chilling photos taken in Kyiv and the battle zone outside the capitol, beginning with the attacks on February 26th. While unable to comment on the scenes themselves, the native photographer shared the images, telling Love What Matters, “It is important for me that the world sees what is happening in my country.”

Men, women, children, and the elderly can be seen fleeing through the debris, making their way to transportation to evacuate the city. Sobering close-ups capture the weight on the shoulders of everyday civilians taking up arms. Worth more than a thousand words, these photos depict the tragedy of war and the terrible destruction happening as a result of Putin’s invasion.

Building in Ukraine damaged from Russian invasion. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian man's eyes peer through gear. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian firefighter responds to destruction. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian parents in bunker try to feed and entertain young baby. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainians pack suitcases and seek safety. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Destruction of Ukrainian building. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian man raises his fist in determination. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Destruction in Ukraine caused by Russian invasion. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Destroyed car and burning landscape in Ukraine. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Clouds of smoke coming from the city. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian walking on highway with giant clouds of smoke behind them. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Couple flee through destruction of Ukraine. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Young Ukrainian couple flees with dogs. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Old Ukrainian man makes his way through the rubble. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Family flees through the rubble and destruction. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian military member directs people fleeing. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Young boy makes his way through the rubble. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Young women carrying baby reaches for hand for help. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Military helps Ukrainians cross water. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian father carries small child. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Parent guides small Ukrainian child. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Member of Ukrainian military. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian military member. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Close-up of Ukrainian man. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukraine civilians and military members. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian woman trying to evacuate. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Elderly man pushes woman in wheelchair to evacuate. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Man holds dog waiting to board bus for evacuation. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian man drives evacuation bus. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Close-up of elderly Ukrainian woman. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian man tries to evacuate. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Younger Ukrainian man evacuates the city. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian military members. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian woman carries dog as she evacuates. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian woman walks through the street carrying travel bag. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Ukrainian boy evacuates the city. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

Elderly woman receives assistance as she tries to evacuate. — Courtesy of Sergi Mykhalchuk

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Sergi Mykhalchuk of Ukraine. You can follow their journey on Instagram. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

Read more about the war in Ukraine here:

‘In one week, I’ve matured at least 10 years.’: Ukrainian man details day-to-day life in Lviv since Russian invasion

‘He died as he lived, a hero in every sense of the word.’: Ukrainian-American man dies defending Kyiv from Russian attacks after lifetime of uniting forgotten kids with loving adoptive families

‘I see the mothers. Holding her child’s hand on one side, and a gun made for a soldier on the other.’: Mom praises Ukrainian mothers for ‘loudly loving, unapologetically surviving’

‘This photo gave me chills.’: Polish moms plant strollers at train station for Ukrainian mothers fleeing with their kids

‘I think about boys, now men, fighting in a war nobody wanted. Teens, just like mine, protecting their country with their lives.’: Mom shares ‘grief and gratitude’ having her son home safe

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