Report and photographs by Iris Januska
In May 2025, photographer Iris Januska spent a month in Kyiv and its surroundings – in the heart of a country still scarred by war. Through her lens, she captured far more than rubble or uniforms: she captured glances, gestures, and moments of life that testify to the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian people.
This photo series is a tribute to all those who continue to live, love, and rebuild despite loss, fear, and uncertainty. It is a visual narrative of quiet courage, dignity, and hope.
"I had the privilege of meeting fourteen families who lost their homes to the war. This journey was deeply moving—the stories and experiences I was entrusted with since the beginning of the invasion were often difficult to bear. The sight of destroyed homes was devastating.
Most of these families now live on their properties again – in small, donated modular or container homes. Through my encounters with these people, I became aware of the incredible strength and admirable perseverance of the Ukrainian people. But the terror is not over yet: nightly airstrikes rob many of their sleep.
Some have now begun to rebuild with their own hands. Others are still waiting for government assistance because they lack the necessary knowledge or financial means. Even if they are coping well under the circumstances, many are deeply shaken by the loss of their homes—and the memories that lived within them."
Iris Januska
