Reportage and Documentary 2022
LuganoPhotoDays
Michele Camicia
Incomplete Family Portrait
In February 2022, the Russian offensive in Ukraine began. One of the consequences was the largest refugee crisis in Europe, with millions of Ukrainian families fleeing their country.
On February 24, 2022, the Russian offensive in Ukraine began.
Internationally considered a war of aggression, it’s the most significant military conflict in Europe since World War II.
Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkiv, and many other cities became the target of massive shelling while ground troops entered Ukrainian territory from Russia and Belarus.
In an instant, the life of Ukrainians was turned upside down; the population found themselves having to spend nights or even days in cold underground shelters.
People who had never carried a rifle found themselves on the front lines to defend their families and their country.
The invasion has also caused one of the largest refugee crises in Europe, with millions of Ukrainian families fleeing their country.
Most refugees were women and children since Ukrainian males aged 18 to 60 were denied exit from Ukraine.
Car, train, bus or even on foot... Journeys lasting days in sub-zero temperatures trying to reach neighbouring countries, especially Poland, to escape from danger in the hope of returning to their country as soon as possible to embrace their husbands, children or parents.
These are those families...