Serhiy Mykhalchuk
Serhiy Mykhalchuk (Ukrainian: Сергій Михальчук; born 13 July 1972, in Lutsk) is a Ukrainian cinematographer. He graduated in 1994 from the Kyiv Theater Institute of Karpenko-Karyj. In addition to film work, Mykhalchuk has also produced documentaries and television feature films, music videos, and advertising features.(Source: Wikipedia)
The Battle of Irpin, occurring within the broader Kyiv offensive during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, was a significant conflict aimed at controlling the city of Irpin. This confrontation involved the Russian Armed Forces and the Ukrainian Ground Forces, spanning from February 27, 2022, to March 28, 2022. The battle concluded with the Ukrainian forces successfully reclaiming the city. This engagement was a critical component of the larger strategy to encircle Kyiv and was characterized by intense urban warfare, particularly in the western suburbs of Kyiv, including Irpin, Bucha, and Hostomel.
The photos below are from the "Culture vs War" project. S. Rizol and S. Mykhalchuk have granted us permission to re-use this for the purpose of this exhibition
The “Culture vs War” project was initiated by the “Watch Ukrainian!” Association in April 2022 to record and convey the truth about the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The heroes of the project are famous Ukrainian artists and cultural figures who, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, have defended their country and/or actively engaged in supporting Ukraine for a faster victory (military of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, volunteers and documentarians). Through their stories, beliefs, and reflections on the events, they acquaint the world and Ukrainian communities with the values and meanings of Ukrainian culture, which help Ukrainians to put up a worthy resistance to the aggressor.
Kyiv and Hostomel Battles
The Battle of Kyiv, a key event in the Kyiv offensive of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, involved Russian and Ukrainian forces fighting for control of Ukraine's capital and its environs from February 25 to April 2, 2022. Initially, Russia seized areas north and west of Kyiv, but Ukrainian resistance, combined with Russian logistical and tactical errors, prevented the city's encirclement. After a month of intense combat, Ukrainian troops counterattacked, leading to a Russian retreat on March 29. By April 2, Ukraine had reclaimed control of Kyiv and its region.
The Battle of Antonov Airport, also known as the battle of Hostomel Airport, was a military confrontation at the Antonov Airport in Hostomel, Kyiv Oblast, during the Kyiv offensive of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On 24 February 2022, Russian troops made an air assault on Antonov Airport, seeking to capture it shortly after the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, announced the beginning of a "special military operation" in Ukraine. The airport's strategic location, less than 10 kilometers outside Kyiv, made it a target for Russian forces to airlift more troops and heavy equipment to directly threaten the city. However, the Ukrainian military's counter-attack encircled the unsupported Russian forces and repelled the initial assault. The airport was later captured by Russian forces after a subsequent air and ground assault. Despite this, the unexpected Ukrainian resistance thwarted the quick capitulation of Kyiv, and the airport was too damaged to function as an airstrip. On 2 April, Ukraine regained control of the airport following the Russian withdrawal from Kyiv Oblast. The Antonov An-225 Mriya, the world's largest airplane, was destroyed during the battle.
Kharkiv and Donetsk
