The war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in 2022 and followed years of prior conflict in the east, continues to escalate into its third year. Russian forces have heavily targeted civilian infrastructure and gatherings, causing widespread displacement, with nearly 10 million people either internally displaced or having fled the country. Civilian casualties are estimated to be much higher than reported.
In 2024, Russia made slow gains in the Donetsk region using advanced weaponry, while Ukrainian forces briefly pushed into Russia’s Kursk region. Ukraine’s military faces manpower shortages, leading to controversial recruitment tactics.
The relentless bombardments continue to leave behind a trail of destruction, crippling Ukraine’s infrastructure, economy, and way of life, impacting every Ukrainian affected by the ongoing conflict.

Photo copyright: © Diego Fedele

In the Shadows of a Deadly Sky by Diego Fedele stands out for its deeply human and visually cohesive approach to the story.
This comprehensive project, which covers the war in Ukraine from its beginning, conveys the emotional and psychological toll of living under constant threat with remarkable sensitivity and restraint. The photographer has demonstrated the ability to balance intimacy and context, avoiding sensationalism through careful sequencing and strong visual consistency.