Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to thousands of deaths, destruction of several major cities, and the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.

Ukrainian photographer Maxim Dondyuk is currently covering the war in Ukraine, and is in need of a reliable used SUV to get him into active fighting zones (and get him out safely). He has been relying on hired drivers, but it’s difficult and costly to find drivers who are willing to drive towards line of fire. Infrastructure in the conflict zones has been heavily damaged, including roads; and having an all wheel drive vehicle with decent clearance and all terrain tires can mean the difference between getting out alive and not getting out at all. A 10 year old reliable SUV in Ukraine can cost upwards of $10,000USD; this is the basis for campaign goal.

Please support Maxim as he captures on-the-ground photos of the Russian invasion. You monetary donation will go towards the SUV; if you are a photographer, please consider donation of your used photography gear for use by Maxim and distribution to other Ukrainian photographers on the ground (details in the fundraiser updates). If you have leads on a reliable and affordable used all-wheel drive vehicle preferably in Ukraine or in Europe, please reach out to us with any information.

I will personally mail a print copy of TIME magazine with Maxim's photos as "thank you" note to anyone who donates $50 or more to this campaign. I will also find additional ways to reward to the donors at the higher levels (specific details TBD).

Maxim is a talented, brave, and meticulous photographer who is not afraid to work in the line of fire. His award-winning work has been recognized and exhibited in Ukraine and internationally (https://maximdondyuk.com/exhibitions/exhibition-views)

The latest issue of TIME magazine (March 28-April 4 edition) feature cover photo and the photo essay by Maxim (see photos in the fundraiser).

I was introduced to Maxim’s work though his Culture of Confrontation photo book, which documented the 2014 Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine (Maidan revolution). I was taken back by the depth and the power of the images that he captured, but also his commitment to providing factual context by accompanying the photos with essays, maps, quotes, and links to his research sources. https://maximdondyuk.com/works/culture-of-confrontation

Maxim has covered the fighting in the eastern regions in subsequent years and had some other photo projects in hid dear Ukraine, from Chernobyl in the north to Crimea in the South:

https://maximdondyuk.com/projects

Documentary photography is a powerful tool for preserving history, rallying up support from others, and fighting political propaganda. Russian government is trying to bury the truth now, and will continue to do so for years to come. The way to fight propaganda is by capturing images and accompanying factual context directly on the ground. Powerful images, like those captured by Maxim, can spur governments and entire nations of people to action.

Help Ukrainian photographer Maxim Dondyuk document the war

Maxim needs a vehicle to continue his photo coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine from the front lines

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