A Painful Truth We Must Confront

Torture, starvation, sexual, mental, and physical abuse. Imagine the most inhumane, vicious, and violent acts inflicted on a human being, and then realize: this is the horrifying truth of how Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) are treated in Russian captivity. While this is painful and disturbing, it’s essential to see, understand, and remember. For Ukrainians, this reality is inescapable. For us on the outside, it’s crucial we don’t turn away from it.

Documenting the Horror: Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov’s Vital Role

Photographers like Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov have done incredible, and often traumatic, work in capturing and sharing the brutal reality of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Their images are a lifeline to truth, giving the world a glimpse of the atrocities taking place. As difficult as it is to look at these images, imagine how horrific it is for Ukrainians to live this reality every day. The Liberovs have been photographing Ukrainian soldiers who returned home after nearly two years in Russian captivity, men who endured starvation and torture but managed to survive. They described it as their most challenging work in months. “We couldn’t recover from what we saw and heard for a week,” they admitted.

The photos of these men are harrowing, but their bravery shines through. The soldiers have already undergone critical treatment and gained back about 10 kg each since their release. Yet, the toll of captivity—losing as much as 40-50 kg each—is clear. These men bear the scars of starvation, but perhaps most haunting is their spirit. As one of them put it, “They didn’t break me.”

Survivors, But Not Broken

In their own words, “We cannot convey what we heard from these guys. But these photos speak for themselves.” These images document not just physical survival but resilience and a fierce will to endure. Each soldier returned with a story of unimaginable suffering, but also with a powerful determination: “We must do everything to ensure this never happens again.”

Yet, it does keep happening. Every day, more Ukrainians are captured, tortured, and held by Russian forces. Today, the largest genocide since World War II is unfolding in Ukraine, and these images are the evidence.

Crimes Without Consequences

As the world debates the support it can afford, time passes, and lives are lost. Every moment we hesitate, another Ukrainian suffers at the hands of Russian captors. Russia’s systematic torture and abuse are not isolated acts—they are part of a horrifying pattern of war crimes. For Ukrainians, there is no escape. For us, we have the responsibility to bear witness and amplify the truth.

Many may want to look away, but we cannot allow that. This horror must be seen by everyone. Our hearts need to break alongside Ukraine’s because the trauma they live must haunt us, too. These crimes should be engraved in our collective memory, an indelible reminder that can haunt us like the shadow of death that soldiers face every day on the battlefield.

The Duty to Bear Witness and Demand Consequences

These crimes against humanity demand accountability. By ignoring them, not only are we endangering the people of Ukraine, but we are also becoming complicit in this violence. Until the world fully understands the terror of this unprovoked aggression, Russia’s violence will continue to spread. We must show these atrocities to the world, refusing to let them go unseen or unpunished.

How You Can Help

If you are moved by the plight of Ukraine, there are concrete ways to make a difference. Here are some organizations that provide vital support on the ground in Ukraine:

United24: Established by President Zelenskyy, United24 is a global initiative for donations supporting Ukraine’s military, medical needs, and infrastructure.
Come Back Alive: This organization provides defensive and medical aid for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ensuring troops are better equipped and supported.
UAnimals: Focusing on animal welfare, UAnimals assists shelters and provides food, medicine, and transportation for animals affected by the war.

Contributing to these organizations is one way to stand in solidarity with Ukrainians, showing that while the world may be far away, its empathy and support are real.

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Ine in Ukraine