"Ukraine Photographer Guillaume Herbaut's Work: A Fresh Perspective Vital in Lasting Conflicts"
Resilience Amidst War: Life Continues in Kyiv
Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, has been a testament to resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite the intensified aerial strikes that began in July 2022, the city continues to function, with municipal services like painting bike paths still being carried out [1].
In the heart of the city, Guillaume Herbaut, a photographer and journalist who has been covering Ukraine for over twenty-four years, observed the city's inhabitants responding to alerts by heading to shelters [2]. Herbaut has been dispatched to Ukraine more than a dozen times since "the great invasion" of 2022 [2].
The morale of the Ukrainian population in Kyiv has evolved significantly since the first weeks of the war in 2022. Initially, the spirit was marked by a strong resistance, with civilians actively participating in defense efforts [1][2]. However, the prolonged conflict, significant displacement, and ongoing territorial losses have put psychological and material strain on the population [3].
Data from mid-2025 indicates that about 21% of Ukraine's pre-war population has been displaced [3]. Despite this, the morale of the population in Kyiv remains resilient, marked by profound fatigue, both physical and mental [1][2][3].
During one of his visits, Guillaume Herbaut witnessed municipal agents diligently painting a bike path, even as an alert was sounded in the city [1]. The city's residents, too, have shown an admirable determination, rushing to shelters when alerts are issued [1].
The increased threat of violence has made alerts in Kyiv a matter of serious concern. Shelters in the city are now used by residents during alerts as a precautionary measure [1]. Despite the challenges, the city continues to function, a testament to the spirit of its people.
[1] Guillaume Herbaut's report [2] Le Monde [3] Data from mid-2025
Despite the ongoing war in Kyiv, the city's lifestyle remains resilient, with citizens adapting to the volatile situation by seeking shelter during alerts, including Guillaume Herbaut, a long-term photographer and journalist, who observed this behavior himself [1]. Moreover, the city's vibrant spirit is further reflected in the continuation of essential services like painting bike paths, which demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining a normal lifestyle amidst adversity [1].
