2023.03.06-10 || Odessa, Ukraine
From March 6 to 10, 2023, I walked the streets of Odessa with my camera, capturing the smiles and candid moments of the people I met.
Despite the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine dominating the news, the people of Odessa remained committed to living their lives to the fullest. "Heroiam Slava!", they said, or "Glory to the heroes!" - a phrase that speaks to the indomitable spirit of the city and its people.
During my stay, I witnessed firsthand the warmth, kindness, and resilience of the people of Odessa. I was struck by their courage and determination in the face of adversity, as they went about their daily lives with a sense of optimism and hope.
While I was in Odessa, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continued to escalate, with reports of increased fighting in the eastern regions of Ukraine and fears of a potential Russian invasion. On March 7th, the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reported that an enemy attack had hit an energy infrastructure facility in the city, damaging residential buildings in the area.
Despite these challenges, the people of Odessa remained committed to living their lives to the fullest and finding joy in the midst of uncertainty. The resilience and determination of the people I met was a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, it is my hope that these images serve as reminder of the humanity that exists on both sides of the conflict, and the power of resilience and optimism to transcend political divisions and bring people together. Despite the ongoing conflict, the people of Odessa have shown us that it is possible to find joy, beauty, and connection even in the most difficult of circumstances.
