Konstantin and Vlada Liberov presented their book *Eyes of War*: 280 photographs depicting pain, struggle, and hope
3 June 22:06
A charity edition of the photo book *Eyes of War* by military photographers Konstantin and Vlada Libero, published with the support of PUMB Bank, was presented in Kyiv, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The event brought together journalists, artists, military personnel, volunteers, and representatives of cultural institutions, who were among the first to see the publication and speak with the authors.
The book brings together 280 photographs taken between 2022 and 2025 and has become not only an artistic project but also an important testament to the war, memory, and the resilience of Ukrainians.
The event took place in an intimate atmosphere of sincere conversation. Kostyantyn and Vlada spoke about the creation of “Eyes of War” and the experiences they shared alongside the subjects of the photographs. Behind each of the 280 photographs taken between 2022 and 2025 lie stories of strength and pain, despair and hope from Ukrainians who were forced to look war in the eye. As they turned the pages of the book, the guests, together with the authors, immersed themselves in the events to which the book’s chapters are dedicated: “Struggle. Military,” “Da Vinci,” “The New War,” “Captivity,” “Struggle. Civilians,” “Hope.”
As Vlada Liberova noted:
“This is a very difficult experience. These photos show things that people shouldn’t have to see. Because these things shouldn’t exist in normal life. But, unfortunately, they do. So we must look war in the eye, we must withstand its gaze, and, most importantly, tell the world and future generations what we have seen, in the hope that this will never happen again.”
It is symbolic that this conversation took place in the reading room of the Yaroslav the Wise National Library. The location was chosen as a place that preserves the memory and truth of many generations of Ukrainians. A few days before the event, enemy shelling damaged the library’s facade. Thus, the presentation of “Eyes of War” here took on special significance—proving that the truth today needs protection more than ever.
In fact, this is exactly what PUMB is doing by helping to distribute “Eyes of War.” The bank funded the publication of a charitable edition of the book—500 copies, which will be distributed to Ukrainian libraries, media outlets, diplomatic missions, and organizations working to preserve historical memory. In particular, during the presentation, the book was received by the NGOs VeteranHub, “Veteranka,” “Hospitaliers,” “Zemlyachki,” “Blood Agents,” and “Solomyanski Kotyky,” as well as the Superhumans and “Neopalymi,” the Stratcom Ukraine Center for Strategic Communications (Invictus Games project), the KSE Veterans Office, the Armed Forces of Ukraine Blood Center, the “Heart of Azovstal” Charitable Foundation, AzovOne, Serhiy Prytula Foundation, units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Main Intelligence Directorate, the SBU Academy, Cultural Forces of Ukraine, the Vernadsky and Yaroslav the Wise National Libraries of Ukraine, university libraries, and many other organizations.
The authors and PUMB thanked everyone present for their support and courage in jointly preserving and spreading the truth about the war. Tetiana Kolesnyk, Head of Social Projects at PUMB, noted:
“It is important to us that the memory of the people whose stories are captured in the book *Eyes of War* is not only preserved but also passed on to future generations. That is why we are pleased to donate copies of the publication—which is not yet available for purchase—to the collections of libraries and partner organizations. We are convinced that this book is not only an artistic project but also an important element of Ukraine’s modern archive of memory—a record of events, people, and stories that must be preserved.”
The event concluded—just as the book ends with the chapter “Hope”—on a bright note. The authors signed copies for guests while holding their young son Noah in their arms, instilling faith and hope for the future.
About the book:
“Eyes of War” is a documentary photo album by military photographers Kostyantyn and Vlada Libero, published with the support of PUMB Bank and presented to an international audience at The London Book Fair in 2026.
The book features 280 photographs taken between 2022 and 2025 on the front lines, in frontline zones, and in rear cities. Through their lens, the authors tell an honest story of war. The captured moments vividly reveal the strength and pain, dignity, and resilience of Ukrainians. Chapter by chapter—”Struggle. Military,” “Da Vinci,” “The New War,” “Captivity,” “Struggle. Civilians,” “Hope”—the authors reflect on their own experiences and the reality of war.
Konstantin and Vlada themselves say: “The idea for the book was born from the feeling that the war is disappearing from the media landscape, even though it hasn’t disappeared from people’s lives. The title ‘Eyes of War’ has a personal meaning. It’s not about us. We are not the eyes of war. We felt that war has its own eyes and is looking at the viewer. Through our photographs, war seems to say: I exist, see me.”
The book “Eyes of War” will be available for purchase in early summer, but you can pre-order itnow via the link.
