Children are the future of Ukraine

Today, as we mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we take a moment to reflect on the impact of the war from a unique perspective. The photos you are about to see were captured using disposable film cameras, and document the lives and perspectives of children living through extraordinary times of war.

Behind Blue Eyes is a charity project that helps children from de-occupied and frontline villages of Ukraine achieve their dreams and believe in themselves through creativity and modern self-expression. They work with children to encourage creativity and help them discover their passions, as well as providing support to ease the stress and trauma of war.

From 2022 to 2024 the team travelled to 19 war-affected villages in the North, South and East of Ukraine and supported over 250 children to capture photos.

Valentyna, 11y.o., Lukashivka, Chernihiv region (Copyright © Behind Blue Eyes, 2022) 

Ann, 13 y.o., Bobrovyi Kut, Kherson region, 2023 (Copyright © Behind Blue Eyes, 2023) 

Valeriia, 12 y.o., Pershotravneve, Mykolaiv region (Copyright © Behind Blue Eyes, 2023)

Tetyana 15y.o,. Lukashivka, Chernihiv region (Copyright © Behind Blue Eyes, 2022)

Sviatoslav, 10 y.o., Savyntsi, Kharkiv region (Copyright © Behind Blue Eyes, 2024)

Oleksandr, 13 y.o., Lukashivka, Chernihiv region, 2022 (Copyright © Behind Blue Eyes, 2022)

Mykola, 9 y.o., Khukhra, Sumy region (Copyright © Behind Blue Eyes, 2024)

Matviy, 11 y.o., Velyka Oleksandrivka, Kherson region (Copyright © Behind Blue Eyes, 2023)

Bohdan, 10 y.o., Lukashivka, Chernihiv region (Copyright © Behind Blue Eyes, 2022)

These photographs are a pertinent reminder not only of the ongoing impact of war on children’s lives, but the importance of hearing their stories. As Natalka Sosnytska, Program Manager of Behind Blue Eyes, shares: “I want people to step into our shoes and understand why listening to and respecting children is so important. Children are not just victims of war; they are resilient and full of hope.”

There is still a long way to go to achieving peace for Ukraine. As part of ongoing efforts, the Behind Blue Eyes team have created a zine containing more than 200 photographs taken by children over the two years of the project. The images are complemented by handwritten wishlists by each of the children involved, revealing their heartfelt desires – from everyday items like cosmetics and phone cases to profound wishes like the desire not to hear explosions and peace in Ukraine. To buy the zine and support creative initiatives celebrating Ukrainian children’s unique perspectives, head to theblueyedproject.com/zine-en.

Author: Celeste Sangster, Senior Campaigns and Communications Manager, Project Everyone