Valery Melnikov
Location:
Ukraine
Period:
May 2022 – January 2023
Category:
Spot News
Status:
Nominee
I first went to the Donbass eight years ago, when the war between Ukraine and Russia was just beginning. After a few years, the active phase of the confrontation ended and the conflict seemed to have been frozen for many years. But in February 2022 the war broke out with renewed vigour, and I was back again.
After heavy fighting and huge civilian casualties, a humanitarian disaster reigned in Mariupol, but some residents returned to set up life from scratch: some took apart the rubble, some carried large bottles of water, some tried to find surviving items, which were then transported on trolleys or bicycles. “Transport of the apocalypse…” – I thought back then.
Walking down one street in the old part of the city, I suddenly remembered Dresden after World War II for some reason: the same black skeletons of houses, the crunch of broken glass underfoot and deserted streets.
Local resident Veniamin stands at the window in his ruined apartment in Mariupol
The outskirts of Mariupol destroyed during the fighting between the Ukrainian and Russian armies
During the hostilities outbreak 2022 of May the guy was wounded by shrapnel during the explosion near their house
Down town of Mariupol destroyed during the fighting between the Ukrainian and Russian armies
A local resident clears rubble in his destroyed apartment
A local resident cooks food on a fire on a city street
The graves of local residents who died during the hostilities in the city cemetery
Local resident in the center
Demolition of houses destroyed during the fighting
Dump of damaged cars during the fighting
One of the destroyed apartments in the city center
Local residents during prayer in the church of Mariupol
Photojournalists with internationally recognised accreditation are invited to register and be eligible for future editions of the Independent & Freelance Photojournalist Award (IFPA).
To ensure the highest standards, our dedicated moderators will verify all registration applications. Please have a copy of your press credentials ready during the registration process.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to showcase your talent and be recognized internationally. Register now and let your journalistic excellence shine! #IFPA #PhotojournalismExcellence #xposurexpf #worldwithoutphotography
