Exhibition of Ukrainian photographer and volunteer Serhii Himiush held in Turkey

Speaking to Ukrinform correspondent, Himiush shared particulars concerning the exhibition and the circumstances through which the pictures have been taken.

“My exhibition is not about spontaneous shots—I took them deliberately to record what was happening in the first months of the war, so that we would have evidence not only of horrific crimes and destruction, but also of the heroism of Ukrainians. Each photograph is a separate life, a separate story, and sometimes more than one. I am ready to share these photos as proof of Russia’s crimes,” Himiush mentioned.

He defined that he started volunteering in Kyiv within the early days of the full-scale invasion, when his first images have been taken. Among them, he singles out a portrait of a boy who had traveled to his grandparents within the days earlier than the invasion and later discovered himself underneath occupation.

“When the big war began, I quickly realized that hiding was not an option for me—I had to do something. And I was not alone in this. So we started helping elderly people who had been left on their own. After the liberation of the Kyiv region, we volunteered there, later in the Chernihiv region, and the Chornobyl zone. Most recently, our trips were to the Kharkiv region,” Himiush mentioned.

He was wounded close to Balakliia when a Russian mortar struck the automobile on the aspect the place he was sitting. Of all these within the automobile, he suffered probably the most, being thrown by means of the windshield. His companions offered first help, and after two hours, he was delivered to a hospital. Doctors carried out an amputation on one leg and gave no ensures for his survival. Later, over 15 months of therapy and rehabilitation in Germany, his second leg was additionally amputated.

“We had a driver with us who had been fighting since 2014, and he knew how to give first aid. I was conscious almost the entire time, remembering everything until we reached the hospital. After surgery, I was in a coma for several days, and when I came to, the doctor told me it was a miracle I survived. I think so too—it feels like a second chance to live, to do more good, and to value life more,” Himiush shared.

Despite his accidents, Himiush impresses with optimism, religion in folks, and perception in victory. After returning to Ukraine, he resumed work on the state firm Ukrspecexport. Even with amputations, he leads a extremely lively way of life. His inventive plans embrace taking the exhibition to different Turkish cities and overseas to lift consciousness of Ukrainian heroism and Russia’s crimes.

Read additionally: Journalists injured as automobile hits mine close to Pokrovsk

“Knowing this is not the end of life—that the best is still ahead—is vital. Of course, no one can ever be fully prepared for losing limbs; it is not normal. But I can definitely say to anyone going through this now: it is not the end—on the contrary, it can even be the beginning of a new, more conscious life. For someone experiencing it for the first time, it may be important to know that what lies ahead is not so frightening. On my list of activities are football, cycling, scooters, and even skiing. Many people thank me for this example of activity and optimism, saying it has become a source of moral support and guidance,” Himiush mentioned.

He additionally described the decisive turning level after his amputations, when he realized life might go on.

“I remember the day—May 11. It was the first day in intensive care when I managed to sleep more than four hours. It was very sunny, and my mood lifted. I recalled the doctor’s first words when I woke up: ‘You are very lucky.’ And I set myself a mindset that I truly was lucky to survive, that this was a unique chance given by fate, and I must value it and not waste it,” Himiush mentioned.

He added that the religion of those that fought to avoid wasting his life additionally gave him energy.

“I had no right to give up—in front of myself, or in front of the people who worried so deeply about me, who pulled me out, rescued me under fire, and treated me. I am convinced that fate gave me this chance to be useful, to do something meaningful. Giving up is the easiest and most foolish thing one can do in life,” he harassed.

Read additionally: Zelensky: Security ensures should take impact instantly after ceasefire, not wait till conflict’s finish

Today, Himiush continues supporting Ukraine by working at Ukrspecexport, pursuing volunteer work, and presenting his images.

As Ukrinform reported, during a charity evening dedicated to Ukraine’s Independence Day, a fundraising fair and auction were held as a part of the worldwide United24 initiative in assist of Ukraine.