Ukraine 2004–2024: We Had a Normal Life

This book tells the story of a Ukraine caught between hope and destruction, between peace and war, from 2004 to 2024

This book tells the story of a Ukraine caught between hope and destruction, between peace and war, from 2004 to 2024. 18 international photographers turn their gaze to this period in Ukraine, starting with the Orange Revolution in 2004, through the occupation of Crimea in 2014, the outbreak of war in February 2022, and into the present. They show what was once 'home' to the Ukrainians, what's been lost, and what they long to reclaim: their country, their peace, an existence without constant threat, an entirely normal life... The images captured by these many photographers speak in different visual languages, yet they share a common message: the deep humanity that persists amidst a decades-long conflict marked by growing brutality. It's a moving chronicle of multiple perspectives and experiences--haunting, harrowing, and unforgettable. Photography cannot end wars, but it plays a vital role in enabling a deeper understanding, by making visible what is happening, and preserving a record for posterity of the things that have happened.

Photographs by Focus Agency members: Sebastian Backhaus, Daniel Berehulak, Massimo Berruti, Roman Bezjak, Kitra Cahana, Emre Caylak, Kirill Golovchenko, Vincent Haiges, Sergey Maximishin, Justyna Mielnikiewicz, Dominic Nahr, Alessandro Penso, Julius Schrank, Maxim Sergienko, Armin Smailovic, Thomas Victor, Marlena Waldthausen, Jonas Wresch Texts by Sebastian Backhaus (photographer) Frank Golczewski (Historian, specialized in German/Ukrainian relations and Eastern European politics), David Rojkowski is a sociologist and photographer as well as editor of the magazine "Leica Fotografie International (LFI)". He works as a freelance editor and curator, and led the interview with Kateryna Radchenko, curator, artist and photography researcher based in Ukraine. Since 2015, she is the founder and director of the international festival Odesa Photo Days.