TITANIUM: Exhibition on Ukrainians severely harmed by war opens in Paris

The author of the photos is a French photographer of Ukrainian origin, Youry Bilak.

Next to each photo, you can read stories about Ukrainians who have been severely injured as a result of the war. Among them are children, adults, civilians and military.

The photos show, among others, patients of the UNBROKEN Center. Among them are 13-year-old Yana Stepanenko and 8-year-old Romchyk Oleksiv. 

In 2022, Yana lost both legs in a terrorist attack on the train station in Kramatorsk. In 2024, she ran the five kilometers of the Boston Marathon on prostheses. Her name was all over the world's media at the time.

Photo: Lviv City Council

Romchyk lost his mother two years ago as a result of a Russian attack on Vinnytsia, and he suffered deep burns that are still being treated. Despite his injuries, the boy is engaged in dancing, music and travels with his father.

Photo: Lviv City Council

According to the exhibition's author, the name TITANIUM is not accidental.

“Titanium is a material used to create prostheses. All this symbolizes the strength and perseverance of Ukrainians,” said Youry Bilak.

The UNBROKEN Center notes that the goal of the project is to show Ukrainians who, despite their mine-blast injuries, demonstrate resilience to the world every day.

• Ukrainian writer and musician Ruslan Horovyi has released a song about what life would be like for Ukrainian children if Russia had not started the war in Ukraine.