“Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine has posed the greatest test to Western democracies since World War II. I covered everything dealing with the suffering and pain of this horrific war, the immense destruction of daily life, the indiscriminate shelling of schools, shopping centres, and homes, and the destroyed livelihoods. Millions of families have become refugees of this senseless war, leaving Ukraine behind. Documenting dozens of funerals and sharing tears with family members as they buried their loved ones.
In Bucha, I witnessed the war crimes committed, bodies with their hands tied behind their back. Their lifeless forms abandoned behind buildings alongside garbage left by Russian soldiers. I have also seen the beauty of nature, how a rainbow lights up the sky in Borodyanka after rain falls on buildings destroyed by Russia’s aerial bombardment. I have witnessed the strength and the incredible spirit of the Ukrainian people.”
Paula Bronstein is an American photojournalist who has received numerous awards throughout her long career spanning over four decades. An expert in documenting humanity, bringing awareness to compelling issues worldwide, with a current focus on the war in Ukraine. She began her profession by spending 15 years working for various American newspapers before moving to Bangkok as a staff photographer for Getty Images from 2002-2013. Currently freelance, her work has been published globally and exhibited in numerous countries. Paula’s work can be seen in two photo books on Ukraine and her internationally acclaimed photo book Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear.
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