Photo exhibition about Russia’s war against Ukraine takes place in the Netherlands
The Netherlands city of Leiden is hosting a photo exhibition “Far and Yet So Close” until March 5, which presents the realities of Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine.
Ukrainian war through the lens: exhibition opens in the Hague
A powerful photo exhibition opened in The Hague, Netherlands, showcasing images from the frontlines of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Titled Far and Yet So Close, the exhibition invites Dutch and international audiences to witness the realities of the full-scale invasion — destruction, resilience, and humanity.
This exhibition features 80 photographs taken by well-known Ukrainian military photographers, including Yevhen Malolietka, Mstyslav Chernov, Serhiy Korovainyi, Pavlo Dorohyi, Andriy Dubchak, Yurko Dyachyshyn, Oleksiy Furman, Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov, Serhiy Mykhalchuk, Mykhailo Palinchak, Danylo Pavlov and Viacheslav Ratynskyi. At the opening of the exhibition, Mayor of Leiden Peter Heijkoop emphasized in his opening remarks that “with these photographs we want to reflect on the strength of the human spirit and the courage that Ukrainians show in the fight for freedom.”
Why the Hague?
Known as the seat of international justice, The Hague is a symbolic location for documenting war crimes. This exhibition, organized by Ukrainian and Dutch partners, aims to raise awareness and support for accountability.
Voices behind the lens
The photographs were taken by Ukrainian photojournalists who have spent months embedded with soldiers, civilians, and emergency workers across the country. Their work captures the raw, often unseen moments of survival — from shelled cities to medics on the front.
From Bucha to Bakhmut
The exhibition includes visual stories from Bucha, Kharkiv, Bakhmut and Mykolaiv. Some images document missile strikes; others reveal small moments of care — volunteers helping the elderly, or children sketching drawings in bomb shelters.
Educational and legal value
Accompanying the visuals are captions and background texts to help viewers understand the larger context: Russia’s military aggression, the impact on civilians, and the efforts of Ukraine’s legal and investigative teams.
The exhibition is also expected to contribute to legal archives supporting future international trials.
