Category: Life in Ukraine

From a Russian-Battered Philharmonic in Odesa to Frontline Drones: This Week in Ukraine, in Photos

The smoldering aftermath of Russian airstrikes in Kherson, the solemn farewell of fallen heroes in Kharkiv, and the Ukrainian drone bombers, targeting Russian equipment—this week’s images continue to capture Ukraine’s resilience in the face of war.

Feb 07, 2025 13:59

3 min read

Authors: Valeriia Guseva
Author

Ukrainian soldiers push back Russian advances with drones near Siversk, veterans depart for the Invictus Games, and families reunite for fleeting moments at the Kramatorsk railway station. Meanwhile, cultural landmarks, like the Odesa Philharmonic concert hall, bear the scars of Russia’s relentless attacks. This is the week (January 31st-February 5, 2025) in photos through the lens of some of the most prominent Ukrainian photographers.

Photo by Ivan Antypenko for Suspilne News.

JAN 30, 2025 — A fire breaks out in Kherson after a Russian artillery strike on energy infrastructure.

Photo by Serhii Nuzhnenko for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

JAN 31, 2025 — “Who has more drones will win.” Ukrainian pilots of the 108th Separate Mountain Assault Battalion, 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss, neutralize Russian equipment and prevent Russian advances near Siversk, Donetsk region.

JAN 31, 2025 — Ukrainian veterans depart from Kyiv railway station for the 2025 Vancouver-Whistler Invictus Games .

Photo courtesy of the 12th Special Operations Brigade Azov Press Service.

FEB 1, 2025 — A wounded soldier is evacuated from Ukrainian frontline positions near the village of New York (or Niu-York), Toretsk direction.

FEB 1, 2025 — The front entrance of the Odesa Regional Philharmonic concert hall, an architectural monument of national significance. Russian missile strike damaged the building on January 31.

“The blast wave shattered the original woodwork of the main entrance, damaged the stained glass windows, and disrupted the interior decor,” said Odesa Mayor Henadii Trukhanov.

FEB 2, 2025 — Around 4 p.m., a Russian airstrike hit a residential building near Kherson’s central market. Two bombs are dropped—one lands in the city, while the other falls in Russian-occupied Oleshky. A rescuer from Ukraine’s State Emergency Service clears debris at the scene.

FEB 2, 2025 — Train "War - Kyiv.” Donetsk region’s Kramatorsk railway station is a place of fleeting reunions and tearful goodbyes, where soldiers carve out precious moments with their families or friends.

Photo by Donbas Special Forces Battalion.

FEB 2, 2025 — Ukrainian Fighters of the Donbas Special Forces Battalion, 18th Slavic Brigade, deploy large drone bombers to destroy Russian infantry, fortifications, and equipment, as well as conduct remote mining. These drones allow precise strikes on Russian positions while minimizing risk to Ukrainian forces.

FEB 3, 2025 — The light of a Ukrainian dugout. Anti-aircraft gunner Kira of the 5th Assault Brigade holds position near Chasiv Yar, the Donetsk region.

FEB 5, 2025 — The funeral of Anton Spitsyn, soldier and co-founder of the special forces group Peaky Blinders, takes place on the Alley of Glory in Kharkiv. He was killed in action on February 3, defending his homeland against Russian invaders.