During more than three years of full-scale war, Ukraine’s firefighters have been working on the frontlines of Russia’s air war. Amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Russia has steadily intensified its airstrikes in recent weeks and months. Since 24 February 2022, photojournalist Jelle Krings has embedded with firefighters across Ukraine, documenting their lives. His photographs offer a glimpse into the daily reality of these wartime rescuers, who risk everything to save lives while under constant threat from Russian strikes themselves
Last week, on 17 June, Ukraine was attacked with 440 drones and 32 missiles. It was the fourth time this month that Russia launched more than 400 aerial weapons toward Ukraine in a single night, and one of the largest bombardments since the start of its full-scale invasion. For more than nine hours, Kyiv was kept awake by the buzzing sound of drones, the clusters of explosions caused by them and the incoming missiles, and the rattling of anti-aircraft guns firing to intercept them.
The Institute for the Study of War concluded in May that Russian forces have intensified long-range strikes against Ukraine since November 2024. Seven of the largest drone and missile strikes during the war to date were carried out since January 2025. In the same period, Vladimir Putin has stated publicly that Russia is committed to serious peace negotiations. The notion has been met with scepticism in Ukraine in light of the ongoing attacks.
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