Exhibition Of Ukrainian Photographer And Volunteer Serhii Himiush Held In Turkey

(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Speaking to Ukrinform correspondent, Himiush shared details about the exhibition and the circumstances in which the photographs were 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 said.

He explained that he began volunteering in Kyiv in the early days of the full-scale invasion, when his first photographs were taken. Among them, he singles out a portrait of a boy who had traveled to his grandparents in the days before the invasion and later found himself under 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 said.

He was wounded near Balakliia when a Russian mortar struck the car on the side where he was sitting. Of all those in the vehicle, he suffered the most, being thrown through the windshield. His companions provided first aid, and after two hours, he was delivered to a hospital. Doctors performed an amputation on one leg and gave no guarantees for his survival. Later, over 15 months of treatment and rehabilitation in Germany, his second leg was also 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 injuries, Himiush impresses with optimism, faith in people, and belief in victory. After returning to Ukraine, he resumed work at the state company Ukrspecexport. Even with amputations, he leads a highly active lifestyle. His creative plans include taking the exhibition to other Turkish cities and abroad to raise awareness of Ukrainian heroism and Russia's crimes.

Read also: Journalists injured as car hits mine near 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 said.

He also described the decisive turning point after his amputations, when he realized life could 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 said.

He added that the faith of those who fought to save his life also gave him strength.

“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 stressed.

Read also: Zelensky: Security guarantees must take effect immediately after ceasefire, not wait until war's end

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

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

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