Ukraine: Photographs from the Frontline captures the reality of conflict at Imperial War Museum North

A new exhibition at Imperial War Museum North captures the devastating reality of those living amidst conflict in Ukraine.

Ukraine: Photographs from the Frontline presents photographs from internationally-renowned photojournalist, Anastasia Taylor-Lind, with staggering photos captured during her time in Ukraine between 2014 and June 2022 being displayed publicly in a UK exhibition for the first time.

Anastasia began working in Ukraine at a pivotal moment in today’s ongoing invasion, capturing the violent protests that took over the capital city of Kyiv in 2014. It was these protests that led to the removal of a Ukrainian government that sided with Russia, before Russian forces annexed Crimea, supporting a separatist movement in Donbas and leaving eastern Ukraine divided.

Over the next eight years, Anastasia would capture a country gripped by growing tensions and the ever-looming threat of invasion, one which has materialised in the form of one of Europe’s most devastating conflicts since the Second World War.

This collection goes some way in capturing the stark realities of displacement and the pain of separation from loved ones. The exhibition is split into three sections; the 2014 Kyiv protests, the ongoing conflict for individuals living in eastern Ukraine and the current Russian invasion.

Alongside these images, the exhibition includes perspectives from those on both sides of the camera. During her time in Ukraine, Anastasia worked alongside long-term collaborator and friend, Ukrainian journalist Alisa Sopova. Alisa’s voice is heard throughout the exhibition by way of captions and wall texts.

Ukraine: Photographs from the Frontline is on at Imperial War Museum North until Mon 2 Jan, 2023.

Image credit: Anastasia Taylor-Lind