Natalie Keyssar Ukraine’s Wartime Teenagers for Rolling Stone

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Anna Donets, a 17 year old photography student and student at the Democracy School, photographs the Free Azov protests held every sunday in Kyiv largely by youth to combat indifference and apathy to the plight of Azov battalion and other soldiers, national heroes for Ukraine, to be released from Russian Captivity.

Anna spends a lot of time volunteering and dreams of being a photojournalist when she graduates.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

At a public high school in the south of Kyiv, many desks sit empty as so many young people have fled the country.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Karina poses for a portrait in a park in Kyiv. She witnessed the invasion first hand, trapped in her basement amid some of the heaviest fighting during the first weeks of the war in Hostomel, where she still lives. She loves swimming and doing photo shoots for instagram, and says she feels a distance from her friends who dont understand the trauma she carries from what she saw during those days.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Anna Donets, a 17 year old photography student and student at the Democracy School, photographs the Free Azov protests held every sunday in Kyiv largely by youth to combat indifference and apathy to the plight of Azov battalion and other soldiers, national heroes for Ukraine, to be released from Russian Captivity.

Anna spends a lot of time volunteering and dreams of being a photojournalist when she graduates.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Anna Donets, a 17 year old photography student and student at the Democracy School, photographs the Free Azov protests held every sunday in Kyiv largely by youth to combat indifference and apathy to the plight of Azov battalion and other soldiers, national heroes for Ukraine, to be released from Russian Captivity.

Anna spends a lot of time volunteering and dreams of being a photojournalist when she graduates.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Oleksiy Serdyuk is a refugee from (TK) where he fled Russian occupation. He’s now a member of Centuria and planning to join the fight against Russia the day he turns 18.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Anna Donets, a 17 year old photography student and student at the Democracy School, photographs the Free Azov protests held every sunday in Kyiv largely by youth to combat indifference and apathy to the plight of Azov battalion and other soldiers, national heroes for Ukraine, to be released from Russian Captivity.

Anna spends a lot of time volunteering and dreams of being a photojournalist when she graduates.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Zoya, 17, was living in Estonia with some of her family when the war broke out, but rushed home to Kyiv to live because she missed her country and wanted to be close during its time of need. She’s graduated high school early and is currently apprenticing at the workshop of (TK FAMOUS UKRAINIAN DESIGNER) and working at a Tea shop in Kyiv’s golden gate district. She dreams of working in fashion design but also has diverse interests.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Anna Donets, a 17 year old photography student and student at the Democracy School, photographs the Free Azov protests held every sunday in Kyiv largely by youth to combat indifference and apathy to the plight of Azov battalion and other soldiers, national heroes for Ukraine, to be released from Russian Captivity.

Anna spends a lot of time volunteering and dreams of being a photojournalist when she graduates.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Anna Donets, a 17 year old photography student and student at the Democracy School, photographs the Free Azov protests held every sunday in Kyiv largely by youth to combat indifference and apathy to the plight of Azov battalion and other soldiers, national heroes for Ukraine, to be released from Russian Captivity.

Anna spends a lot of time volunteering and dreams of being a photojournalist when she graduates.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Anna Donets, a 17 year old photography student and student at the Democracy School, photographs the Free Azov protests held every sunday in Kyiv largely by youth to combat indifference and apathy to the plight of Azov battalion and other soldiers, national heroes for Ukraine, to be released from Russian Captivity.

Anna spends a lot of time volunteering and dreams of being a photojournalist when she graduates.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Members of Centuria- a military training organization similar to Boy Scouts that focuses on training teens for living in a war zone and likely becoming future fighters, organized a week long series of trainings in first aid and combat for its members across the country in Kyiv in April.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Members of Centuria- a military training organization similar to Boy Scouts that focuses on training teens for living in a war zone and likely becoming future fighters, organized a week long series of trainings in first aid and combat for its members across the country in Kyiv in April.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Members of Centuria- a military training organization similar to Boy Scouts that focuses on training teens for living in a war zone and likely becoming future fighters, organized a week long series of trainings in first aid and combat for its members across the country in Kyiv in April.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Members of Centuria- a military training organization similar to Boy Scouts that focuses on training teens for living in a war zone and likely becoming future fighters, organized a week long series of trainings in first aid and combat for its members across the country in Kyiv in April.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Members of Centuria- a military training organization similar to Boy Scouts that focuses on training teens for living in a war zone and likely becoming future fighters, organized a week long series of trainings in first aid and combat for its members across the country in Kyiv in April.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Zoya, 17, was living in Estonia with some of her family when the war broke out, but rushed home to Kyiv to live because she missed her country and wanted to be close during its time of need. She’s graduated high school early and is currently apprenticing at the workshop of (TK FAMOUS UKRAINIAN DESIGNER) and working at a Tea shop in Kyiv’s golden gate district. She dreams of working in fashion design but also has diverse interests.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Zoya, 17, was living in Estonia with some of her family when the war broke out, but rushed home to Kyiv to live because she missed her country and wanted to be close during its time of need. She’s graduated high school early and is currently apprenticing at the workshop of (TK FAMOUS UKRAINIAN DESIGNER) and working at a Tea shop in Kyiv’s golden gate district. She dreams of working in fashion design but also has diverse interests.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Centuria youth members from across Ukraine attended an MMA tournament in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, in which they competed in the memory of a fallen young Centuria soldier. Many were from Ukraine’s famed Azov or 3rd Assault Brigades. One young Azov fighter who won his match there was killed in combat the following week.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Centuria youth members from across Ukraine attended an MMA tournament in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, in which they competed in the memory of a fallen young Centuria soldier. Many were from Ukraine’s famed Azov or 3rd Assault Brigades. One young Azov fighter who won his match there was killed in combat the following week.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

At an experimental “Democracy School” in Kyiv’s Podil district, students design their own curriculum and projects. Many of the students are deeply involved in activism in support of the military and against corruption, as well as rebuilding areas destroyed by the Russians and protesting for the release of prisoners of war.

Students Misha and Hlib spend their after school time building drones for Misha’s father’s drone assault unit.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

At an experimental “Democracy School” in Kyiv’s Podil district, students design their own curriculum and projects. Many of the students are deeply involved in activism in support of the military and against corruption, as well as rebuilding areas destroyed by the Russians and protesting for the release of prisoners of war.

Students Misha and Hlib spend their after school time building drones for Misha’s father’s drone assault unit.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Dasha, a 17 year old Kyiv high school junior, spends her free time volunteering as a trainer teaching basic first aid to civilians. On weekends she attends soldiers funerals and protests for the release of prisoners of war.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )

April/May 2024. Kyiv Ukraine

Dasha, a 17 year old Kyiv high school junior, spends her free time volunteering as a trainer teaching basic first aid to civilians. On weekends she attends soldiers funerals and protests for the release of prisoners of war.

As Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine continues its 3rd year, and Ukrainians grapple with its tragic death toll, collective trauma, and get used to a “new normal” of frequent missile attacks, power outages and deaths close to home, Ukrainian teens are coming of age as a generation forged in the years since the revolution of dignity 10 years ago, and the victories and horror that have come after. For Kyiv’s teens, those who remain because many have fled the country, they live sandwiched between the relatively normalcy afforded by the Russians being forced back from the city 2 years ago, and the city’s superior air defenses, and the constant drum beat of death and destruction around the country which hits home frequently too. Kyiv’s diverse youth have drastically different relationships with the war, from those who experienced occupation first hand or have relatives fighting, to those who plan to join the military when they turn 18, to those who plan to flee before their birthday.

(Natalie Keyssar )