Ukraine, nestled in Eastern Europe, stands as the second-largest country on the continent, trailing only behind Russia. Its allure lies in a tapestry of captivating history, diverse cultural heritage, and awe-inspiring landscapes, making it an irresistible destination for travelers and a subject of endless fascination for researchers and journalists alike. Yet, Ukraine has not been exempt from its fair share of challenges in recent years, enduring political upheaval and military aggression from Russia. However, amidst these trials, Ukraine remains a testament to resilience and optimism, seamlessly blending tradition and modernity to craft a complex and evolving identity. As a photojournalist driven by an unwavering passion for storytelling, few narratives captivate me more than the haunting tales of war and its aftermath. Throughout my career, I have embarked on a tireless journey, documenting the profound impact of conflicts on civilian lives. I firmly believe that sharing these stories holds the power to prevent future conflicts, sparking compassion and understanding in the hearts of viewers. This exhibit unveils a collection of my work, capturing the devastating conflict that has ravaged Ukraine, leaving behind a trail of casualties on both sides. Through these poignant photographs, I aim to offer a glimpse into the human toll exacted by war, serving as a solemn reminder of the tragedy that has unfolded within Ukraine's borders. From July to November 2022, I was stationed in Kyiv as a member of the foreign press, accredited by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. During my time there, I diligently provided news images and reports to esteemed international news outlets, and I had the privilege of undertaking commissioned assignments from Western news agencies. My immersive five-month stay in Ukraine afforded me a priceless opportunity to forge deep connections within the local community. Should you require my services, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at vx@vxpictures.com. I stand ready and available to take on new assignments. Yours sincerely, Vudi Xhymshiti Photojournalist

Albania is a country in Southeast Europe with a rich history dating back to ancient times. In the modern era, it experienced a communist regime led by Enver Hoxha for over four decades until the 1990s when it transitioned to a democratic society. As a photojournalist, my first coverage of Albania was the tragic incident of the explosion at a depot of ammunition in Gerdec, which took the lives of almost 300 civilians. This event impacted the country deeply and brought significant attention to the need for proper safety measures and oversight. Since then, I have covered various social and political developments in Albania, including elections and the country's efforts towards European integration. However, I also revisit Gerdec to document the lives of the people impacted by the explosion and their return to their homes and livelihoods. Albania remains a country of great interest to me, and I continue to visit and report on its ongoing developments, challenges, and triumphs. Vudi Xhymshiti, photojournalist.

Armenia is a country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, bordered by Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the south, and Turkey to the west. The region has a long history of conflict and was ruled by various empires throughout history, including the Roman, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian empires. In 2020, a war broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has a majority ethnic Armenian population. The conflict had been ongoing for decades but escalated in September 2020, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of tens of thousands more. As a photojournalist, I was drawn to the region to cover the war and its impact on the people living there. I spent four months in Armenia, delving into the culture, history, politics, and customs of the country, while also reporting on the war in Nagorno-Karabakh and the displacement of people due to the conflict. The war officially ended with a peace agreement signed in November 2020, but tensions remain high between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is still fragile. As a result, I will continue to keep a close eye on developments in the region and return to Armenia to report on any further developments. Vudi Xhymshiti, photojournalist.

In the past sixteen years, my reporting has primarily focused on the Middle East and North Africa, with occasional assignments in Europe and the Caucasus. However, the recent full-scale war initiated by the Russian Federation in Ukraine redirected my attention to Eastern Europe. This November 2023, I embarked on a journey toward Ukraine, traversing various countries along the way, including Bulgaria. Throughout my travels, I visited numerous cities and villages, engaging in conversations with the local residents. I captured moments through photographs and gathered stories, which will be featured in my forthcoming editorial collection on Bulgaria.

France has a rich history dating back to the prehistoric times. It has been shaped by events such as the French Revolution, the two World Wars, and various political and cultural movements. Today, France is a modern democracy and an important player in global politics and economics. As a photojournalist, I am fascinated by the history and culture of France and its people. I am always eager to capture the essence of the country through my lens and document its important events, from political rallies to cultural celebrations. I look forward to covering the upcoming events in France and sharing them with the world through my photography. Vudi Xhymshiti, photojournalist.

In 2008, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, eight years after a NATO bombing campaign in 1999 aimed at halting the ethnic cleansing campaign of ethnic Albanians by the Milosevic regime. The Serbian armed forces of Yugoslavia had systematically targeted ethnic Albanians following the arrival of Milosevic on top of Yugoslavia in 1989. Serbia is responsible for the death of nearly 250,000 people across the Balkans within one decade. Despite the declaration of independence, Serbia, Russia, China, and five European Union member states do not recognize Kosovo as an independent state, while around 110 countries do recognize its independence. It is worth noting that it was the war in Kosovo that gave me the motivation to become a photojournalist. This personal connection is why I continue to focus on matters related to human, civil, and political rights and liberties, political turmoil, and war, and I always bring this passion and expertise to any coverage related to Kosovo. Vudi Xhymshiti, photojournalist.

Moldova, a small landlocked country in Eastern Europe, has a rich and tumultuous history. From its origins as a part of the Roman Empire, to being ruled by various kingdoms and empires throughout the centuries, to finally gaining independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. My first visit to Moldova was in November 2022, just after spending nine months reporting on the Russian military aggression in Ukraine. I took a night train from the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and arrived in Chisinau, Moldova's capital city, early in the morning. As I explored the city, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between Moldova and Ukraine, from the architecture to the people's hospitality. However, Moldova faces its own unique set of challenges, with a struggling economy, political instability, and ongoing tensions with Russia, which has been accused of meddling in Moldovan politics. As a photojournalist, I am drawn to these complex issues and will continue to return to Moldova to observe the developments and capture the stories of the people affected by them. Vudi Xhymshiti, photojournalist.

North Macedonia, formerly known as the Republic of Macedonia, gained its independence in 1991 following the breakup of Yugoslavia. The country's history is characterized by a mix of different cultures, languages, and religions, including Slavic, Greek, and Ottoman influences. It has a rich cultural heritage, with notable landmarks such as the ancient city of Ohrid, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Growing up partially in Kosovo, I have always been drawn to North Macedonia, as it was just a short drive away. Over the years, I have followed the country's political and social developments closely, and I am fascinated by the complex issues that it faces. As a photojournalist, I will always return to North Macedonia to document its future and share its stories with the world. Vudi Xhymshiti, photojournalist.

On Thursday morning of February 24, 2022 - motorised infantry of the Russian Armed forces entered Ukraine. From southeastern borders from the Russian Federation and in its northern bank from Belarus. Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, describing it as a “special military operation” aimed at dislodging “neo-Nazis” ruling Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin accused Ukrainian leadership led by a Jewish President Volodymyr Zelensky of treating its people with contempt and said that his forces were entering to quote "denazify Ukraine" and put an end to a quote: "genocide". But, there's no evidence to support the claim of what President Putin said. Vladimir Putin's armed forces faced with emboldened Ukrainian troops bolstered by citizen soldiers, Russia has failed to capture a single city since its full-scale invasion began nearly one week. Ukrainian people joined along their armed forces to defend their country from an aggressive military invasion coming from a neighbour with whom they shared bread and butter before. A country now led by an ex KGB spy with expansionist political ambitions of an imperialistic Russia. The Russians have been surprised not only by the scale of Ukrainian resistance but also by poor morale among their own forces, some of whom surrendered without a fight. We could not independently verify the figures. The total number of casualties since the invasion began also remains unclear until March 3rd, 2022. The United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday that it had confirmed 136 civilian deaths, including that of 13 children. Another 400 people were wounded, it said. Ukraine’s health ministry has previously said 352 civilians had been killed during the Russian attack, as of Monday. The figure included 14 children, it said. There was no immediate comment from Moscow. Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of Ukraine’s biggest cities, officials said, raining rockets on residential areas and killing at least 21 people in the eastern city of Kharkiv and four in the western city of Zhytomyr. The deaths reported early on Wednesday, March 3, 2022, came as Ukrainian authorities said another five people had been killed in a Russian attack on a television tower in the capital, Kyiv.

Serbia's role in the Balkans, particularly post-Yugoslavia breakup in the 1990s, has been marked by ethnic conflicts and political complexities. The tensions in Kosovo, with its predominantly ethnic Albanian population, led to the Kosovo War in 1999 and continue to influence regional stability. Despite efforts towards stabilisation and aspirations to join the European Union, Serbia's enduring ties with the Russian Federation have been a source of tension in the Balkans. Under the leadership of figures like Aleksandar Vucic, a former member of the Milosevic regime, Serbia faces challenges in its political landscape. The country's constitutional claim over Kosovo, which has declared independence and received international recognition, further complicates the regional dynamics. These factors contribute to Serbia's unique position, combining a rich cultural heritage with significant ongoing political developments.

Spain is a country in southwestern Europe known for its rich history, culture, and diverse landscape. The country is famous for its sunny beaches, flamenco music, and world-renowned cuisine. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain has been hit hard, resulting in a significant number of cases and deaths. Additionally, in recent years, there has been a rise in separatist movements in some regions of Spain, such as Catalonia, leading to protests and tensions with the central government. Spain has always fascinated me, and my interest in the country was only strengthened by my recent experiences covering the pandemic outbreak and the Catalonian protests. Although I have not had many opportunities to report on Spain, I remain interested and attentive to its ongoing issues, particularly regarding Catalonia. As time goes on, I fully intend to return to Spain time and time again to see what is happening between the Spanish and Catalonians and to report on any developments. Vudi Xhymshiti, photojournalist.

Syria is a country in the Middle East that has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2011. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and has caused massive displacement and destruction. As a photojournalist, I have covered the Syrian Civil War extensively, from May 2012 until the beginning of 2013. During my time reporting on the conflict, I witnessed firsthand the terrible atrocities committed by the Government in Damascus and various factions, as well as the tragic events that affected the lives of innocent civilians. Although the experiences were often harrowing, I felt it was important to document the events and bring attention to the plight of those affected by the war. I will continue to report on the ongoing conflict and its impact on the people of Syria in the years to come. Vudi Xhymshiti, photojournalist.

The UK has a rich history that spans over thousands of years, from the prehistoric era to the present day. It has been home to various civilizations and cultures, including the Celtic tribes, Roman Empire, Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and the British Empire. Since becoming a naturalised British citizen, I have had the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating country and its diverse people. As a photojournalist, I have been covering various events and issues in the UK since 2017, ranging from political protests and social movements to cultural festivals and sporting events. I am excited to continue covering the UK's important events and sharing its stories with the world for years to come. Vudi Xhymshiti, photojournalist.

At VXPictures, we understand the importance of editorial portraits in journalism and media. Through our project, which began in 2022, we strive to produce a series of editorial portraits featuring interesting people from civil society, economy, sports, culture, arts, politics, and even ordinary families. Our goal is to capture the likeness, personality, and mood of the subject in a single photograph, conveying as much relevant information as possible about their character, work, or the world they inhabit. Our editorial portrait content is available to a limited number of newspapers and magazines, including Der Spiegel, The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Sunday Times of London, The Guardian, and Observer. We are happy to take on assignments for portrait photography or offer licenses for editorial portraits from our collection. We believe that editorial portraits are powerful tools that humanize public figures and bring attention to people who perform interesting jobs but are often overlooked. They provide a window into the lives of others and convey the essence of the person or job being portrayed. Editorial portraits can provide insight, educate the public, and provoke thought and discussion. Ultimately, they are a crucial element of storytelling that can bring people and their experiences to life in a way that words alone cannot. If you are interested in our editorial portrait services, please do not hesitate to contact us at production@vxpictures.com.