The Russian army started operations within the borders of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, by the order of President Vladimir Putin. With the release of the video recording in which Putin ordered the military operation, Russian forces started ground and air operations in cities such as Kharkov, Odessa, Kherson, and arrived in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. The beginning of this war, whose 8th day we left behind, that is, on February 24, 2022, passed into world history.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski gave an interview to the western media after the Russian Defense Ministry’s statement that they will hit some government buildings in Ukraine. Photographs of Zelenski, reflected in the lens of Reuters Photojournalist Ümit Bektaş in this interview, became one of the most talked about topics all over the world. Bektaş shared with Webtekno what he experienced and observed in Ukraine about this war that shook the whole world. Bektaş also talked about the behind the scenes of Zelenski’s most talked about photographs.
‘Kyiv’s streets are empty now, a city full of fear with sirens ringing’
- What have you observed since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, what were the images that upset you the most?
I’ve been in Kiev for three weeks. Despite the tension and cold weather when I arrived, it was a lively city where young people had fun on the streets and people filled its streets. When the Russian invasion began then the weather changed completely. Now, the streets of Kyiv are empty, the sirens are ringing, the markets are closed, and it is a fearful city that has problems in basic products such as food and gasoline. There are concrete barriers on the streets. Military checkpoints have been set up on the streets.
‘The Ukrainian people will fight for their country until the end’
- What is the motivation of the Ukrainian people, do you think they will give up? What do they think of the course of his war and his leaders, Zelenski?
Ukraine doesn’t seem like a nation that will give up with its men and women. Are the armed people in Kiev afraid? Of course yes. Who is not afraid of war? But if the job has come to the point of defending their homeland and city, I don’t think they will run away. They will fight for their country until the end. The Ukrainian people have already proven this when they were fighting for democracy almost 10 years ago. They will not give up.
‘I thought Zelensky would be in the bunker, but…’
- The photograph you took of Zelenski became one of the unforgettable moments of the war. Can you tell the story of this photo?
The meeting took place in the Ukrainian Presidential Building after the Russian Ministry of Defense made a statement that it would hit some government buildings in Kyiv. A building in the so-called ‘Government District’ of Kiev. There are also many government buildings and parliaments here. Therefore, the region is under tight control. When we reached the checkpoint, we were told, we were taken by car from there and taken to the palace. The interview took place on the ground floor of the palace. A blackout residence with soldiers guarding behind sandbags in the corridors. It was an interview that lasted about 45 minutes. As I was leaving, I honestly thought that the meeting would take place in a shelter and/or a secret residence. On the contrary, we had the interview right behind the main entrance of the palace.
‘Zelenski said he can’t see his children every day’
- In your opinion, what is Zelenski’s motivation and psychology, how did you see him, what did he tell you?
While I was waiting for someone more nervous, I saw a confident, relaxed president. He’s funny and kind to those around him. He answered all our questions. It was a long interview. He said that he could not see his children every day and that they had last seen three days ago.
‘It is certain that there is a Ukrainian/Ukrainian perception that is not based on accurate information and takes shape on social media’
- Contrary to what is being reported on social media about this war, what are the facts you see? Can we say that there is a ‘Social media fallacy’ all over the world?
Everyone can evaluate a country differently from their own political point of view. Everyone’s perspective on people is different. And no matter what I say, it is certain that people have a Ukrainian/Ukrainian perception that is based on interpretation rather than information, without direct knowledge, and which takes shape on social media. Of course, I can’t make deep sociological analyzes in a place where I’ve been staying for three weeks, but what I see is that Ukrainians are good people. I also know that people here or anywhere in the world do not deserve to be driven from their homes, become refugees, die or be injured.
Other historical photographs taken by Ümit Bektaş in Ukraine:
The streets of Kyiv are like this now…
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People in Kiev are waiting for a train at the station for evacuation…
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Ukrainian leader Zelensky is hopeful despite everything…
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A boy in the middle of the war who was treated for leukemia, in the basement of the children’s hospital hugging his father on the floor…
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Finally, is there anything you would like to add: “No to war!”
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