Impact Kyiv Forum: Exploring War and Conflict Photography
From October 15 to 18, 2026, the Dovzhenko Center hosted the Impact Kyiv Forum, dedicated to photography capturing wars and conflicts. A highlight of the event was the October 17 discussion titled "Photography as a Tool for Healing," featuring psychologist Tetyana Rudenko, serviceman Danylo Proskurin, and brand manager Valeria Storozhenko. They explored how photography and cultural projects play a vital role in psychological recovery after war, emphasizing the increasing demand for mental health support among civilians and especially military personnel.
According to the National Institute for Strategic Studies, approximately 15 million people will require psychological assistance following the end of the invasion, including 1.8 million soldiers and veterans. Cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) nearly quadrupled in 2023 compared to 2021. Moreover, during the first two months of 2024, the number of new PTSD diagnoses matched the total for the entire year of 2021. By July 2024, PTSD accounted for 29% of stress-related neurological disorders among military members.
Voices from the Field
Danylo Proskurin, a photographer since 2010, joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2022. He served about a year and a half as commander of mortar and later artillery platoons and currently trains new recruits. Danylo contributed to the "Pozivni" project, which brings together soldiers and artists around the phenomenon of military call signs. He dedicated a photo exhibition to a friend who was killed in 2024 on the Pokrovske front, sharing that photography helps him "fill a certain void" during his service.
“When you offer someone a portrait session, they subconsciously realize they matter.” – Danylo Proskurin
Tetyana Rudenko, founder and leader of the NGO "Free Choice," highlighted that psychological recovery depends on mutual willingness to listen and sensitive communication. She stressed the importance of first aid psychological knowledge and self-regulation techniques. Participating in shared cultural activities like photography fosters dialogue between military personnel and civilians.
Portraits from the "Didy" series by photographer Serhiy Korovayny also help bridge connections between the home front and the battlefield, illustrating how art can serve as a powerful means for healing and building understanding within society. Event participants agreed that creative and cultural initiatives are crucial in addressing the effects of trauma, with photography acting as a conversation starter across different segments of the population.
The Impact Kyiv Forum underscores the critical role of cultural engagement in post-war psychological rehabilitation amid a growing population in need of mental health services. Using photography as a form of self-expression and communication can be instrumental in healing the social fabric and fostering empathy between veterans and civilians. This approach holds promise for reducing war-induced trauma and supporting more successful reintegration of veterans into civilian life.