This portrait gallery presents a series of compelling images of Bosnian Minister of Defence Zukan Helez, highlighting his leadership and steadfastness as a key figure in Bosnia's national defence. The portraits capture Helez in moments that reflect his focus and dedication to his role, offering an insight into both his personal integrity and his professional commitment to the security and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

Natalya, born in the small town of Mangush near Mariupol, spent her early years amidst the industrial backdrop of her hometown before relocating to Kharkiv in 2013 due to her daughter's health concerns. Trained as a designer with over 27 years of experience, Natalya has always been a creative force, influenced by a long line of seamstresses in her family. Her journey from crafting high-end fashion to producing essential gear for soldiers on the frontlines is a testament to her adaptability and resilience. Despite personal and professional challenges, including a separation from her husband, Natalya has channeled her skills into supporting Ukraine's war effort, all while caring for her family and navigating the complexities of life during conflict. Photographs and Words by Vudi Xhymshiti.

In this gallery, portraits of Professor Borys Grynyov, a prominent Ukrainian physicist, capture various moments during a serene Sunday morning in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on August 4, 2024. The images include Grynyov sipping his coffee in a local restaurant, gesturing passionately as he discusses his campaign against the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research's (JINR) collaboration with the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), and standing tall outside the restaurant, reflecting his resolute stance. These portraits by Vudi Xhymshiti (VX Photo) encapsulate the determination and conviction of Grynyov in his mission to safeguard the ethical integrity of scientific research amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

In an exclusive interview with The Frontliner Magazine, Sali Berisha, former Prime Minister and President of Albania, offers a candid discussion on the intricate geopolitics of the Balkans, the controversial role of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and the influence of international actors such as George Soros. Berisha, a seasoned statesman with decades of experience, provides a critical perspective on the recent developments in Kosovo and the broader region. As tensions continue to simmer, Berisha’s insights shed light on the underlying forces shaping the current political landscape. This conversation is part of a series of interviews with Berisha that The Frontliner will publish in the coming weeks, delving deeper into his views and the complex dynamics at play.

The interview with Howard Lewis explored the origins and philosophy behind Offline. Howard's passion for fostering connections and embracing diversity was evident. During a conversation with me on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, Howard shared how Offline began as casual dinners where he shared articles, leading to a unique format for gatherings. The emphasis was on genuine interactions and intellectual growth. Howard's vision of a world where curiosity and compassion connect people left a lasting impression. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

During my meeting with Sascha Klamp on April 25, 2023, at his apartment in northeast London, we discussed the details of his recent project, "The Art of Seeing, The Art of Remembering." Sascha is a British/German documentary filmmaker and photographer whose work focuses on highlighting social impact and social justice affairs. His experience as an investor and entrepreneur has taken him to frontier and emerging markets across the globe, which informs his photography practice. The project is a collaboration with the community of Khachik in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

Alban Hyseni, the mayor of Gjilan, was photographed by VX Pictures during his official duties on Friday, March 10, 2023. Prior to his current role, Hyseni served as a member of the parliament, actively participating in various committees such as the Parliamentary Committee for Legislation, Mandate, Immunities, Regulations of the Assembly, and Supervision of the Anti-Corruption Agency. Hyseni ran for the position of mayor in the recent local elections in Kosovo and emerged as the winner. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

This is a portrait of Shkendije Himaj, captured in Prishtina, Kosovo's capital, on Monday, February 27, 2023 (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti). Shkendije Himaj, a 40-year-old woman, has an accomplished career in economics. She was born and raised in Decan, Dukagjini Plains of Western Kosovo and pursued her studies in economics at the University of Prishtina. During the war in 1997-1999, she and her husband sought refuge in Canada, where they were able to continue their education and work in the field of economics. In February 2004, they made the decision to return to Kosovo, driven by a strong commitment to contribute their knowledge and expertise to their home country. Shkendije applied for a position in the Central Bank of Kosovo in 2004 and successfully went through a selection process involving representatives from the IMF and USAID. Her talent and hard work propelled her advancement within the institution, as she secured promotions through openly announced positions. However, her tenure at the Central Bank unexpectedly ended in May 2022 when she was informed of the termination of her contract by the current governor, Fehmi Mehmeti. Despite this setback, Shkendije remains dedicated to her vision of ensuring equal access to banking products and services for all Kosovars. She firmly believes that financial inclusion plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and reducing poverty. Shkendije's expertise and commitment have earned her recognition as a highly qualified candidate for the position of governor at the Central Bank of Kosovo. A British company hired to ensure merit-based hiring processes for high-level government public servants has ranked her as the top candidate.

This is a photograph of Hajrulla Çeku, taken in Prishtina, Kosovo, on February 27, 2023 (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti). Hajrulla Çeku has actively engaged in civil society for 15 years, focusing on areas such as cultural heritage, tourism, urban planning, and the environment. In 2017, he was granted Albanian citizenship and recognized as a person of culture. He subsequently served as Deputy Tourism and Environment in the Albanian Government. Following his return to Kosovo, he was elected as a member of parliament and later appointed as the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports in March 2021.

Zana Hoxha, a 42-year-old Kosovo Albanian feminist artist and activist, was captured in front of a wall displaying pictures of shows she has directed at her office in Prishtina, Kosovo's capital, during a conversation with VX Pictures on Monday, January 30, 2023. Following the end of the war in Kosovo in 1999, Zana pursued studies in theatre direction at the University of Prishtina from 2000 to 2006. However, her aspiration was to become a film director. Due to her pregnancy with her first child in 2003, it took her six years to complete her studies. Just before her graduation, she welcomed her second daughter. During her academic journey, she was also involved in three independent projects. Notably, Zana is the founder of Art Polis and the FEMART Festival in Kosovo, which will celebrate its second decade of productive activities on February 24, 2024. Zana Hoxha was interviewed and photographed at her office in Prishtina, the capital, on Monday, January 30, 2023 (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti).

This is a portrait of Alexei Tulbure shot in the Capital, Chisinau, Moldova, on Saturday, Nov 19, 2022. Tulbure served as ambassador of Moldova to the Council of Europe in 2002 and Moldovan ambassador to the UN during 2006-2008. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

Octavian hopes that pro-Russian parties will never take over the high office in Chisinau, Moldova. I photographed Octavian on Saturday, Nov 19, 2022 - at Tudor Vladimirescu's makeshift studio of the VX pictures in the capital Chisinau, Moldova. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti) Octavian Fedco, 26, who studied architecture, is now a graphic designer and photographer in the Capital, Chisinau, with Moldova for Peace charitable organisation founded to support refugees fleeing Russian aggression from Ukraine. Octavian said he started working as a volunteer with "Moldova for Peace", where they eventually hired him as a full-time professional. Moldova for Peace organises various events and workshops to support Ukrainian refugees, but also it serves as a support centre for supplies such as food and clothes, including blankets. The centre he endorses also organises events to educate and entertain Ukrainian children that fled Russian aggression. During a conversation with Octavian, he said that although he is hopeful that pro-Russian parties would never take over the high office in Moldova, he is afraid that the situation is more realistic.

"My country has chosen a European path, and we will enforce the law; we will fight corruption," — Ion Munteanu. This is a set of portraits produced at the offices of the Moldovan General Prosecutor in the capital, Chisinau, Moldova, on Monday, Nov 21, 2022 - during an interview with interim General Prosecutor Ion Munteanu. American journalist Kris Parker and British-Kosovar photojournalist Vudi Xhymshiti conducted the interview. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)

Photojournalist Vudi Xhymshiti photographed at Str. Tudor Vladimirescu in Chisinau, Moldova, on Thursday, Nov 17, 2022. Photojournalist Xhymshiti focuses on Eastern versus Western politics and the displacement of people due to armed conflicts and climate change, for more about him, please see his website www.vudixhymshiti.uk — (VX Photo/ Kris Parker)

Journalist Kristopher Parker photographed at Str. Tudor Vladimirescu, Chisinau, Moldova, on Tuesday, Nov 15, 2022. Kristopher Parker is a writer from the United States currently focusing on eastern Europe. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)