“Love Letter to Donbas” Photo Exhibition at Europäisches Haus Berlin
Serhii Korovayny showcases Donbas life and resilience through photography
March 06th, 2026
The opening of the photo exhibition Love Letter to Donbas took place at Europäisches Haus, Berlin, on 20 February 2026. The event, held shortly before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s large-scale aggression against Ukraine, featured the work of Ukrainian photographer Serhii Korovayny, whose images provide a vivid and intimate portrayal of life in the Donbas region, profoundly affected by conflict since 2014. By presenting the human dimension of the war, the exhibition serves as a form of cultural diplomacy, fostering international awareness, empathy, and engagement with Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty and stability.
The exhibition draws its imagery from Korovayny’s newly published bilingual photo book, titled Donbas – A Land of Hell and Love in Ukrainian and Love Letter to Donbas in English. The displayed works focus on the daily experiences of local residents, the destruction of infrastructure, and enduring hope amidst conflict, intentionally avoiding a linear chronological narrative. This approach underscores the continuity of civilian life under duress and conveys the human consequences of war, reinforcing the strategic importance of visual documentation as a tool of soft power and international solidarity.
The program included a book presentation by Serhii Korovayny, followed by a panel discussion on the current situation in Ukraine. Participants included Korovayny and Anastasiia Rodi, a German-Ukrainian journalist and political scientist, with moderation by representatives of Europäisches Haus Berlin. The session connected the visual narrative to broader analytical perspectives, highlighting the geopolitical, social, and humanitarian dimensions of the conflict. A reception with refreshments concluded the event, providing space for dialogue and networking among diplomats, journalists, and cultural stakeholders.
Serhii Korovayny has documented the war in Donbas for over a decade and is recognized internationally as a leading visual chronicler of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. His work has been published in major media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Financial Times, The Guardian, TIME, Reuters, Der Spiegel, DIE ZEIT, and NZZ. Beyond capturing destruction, Korovayny’s photography depicts the societal and cultural transformations of the region, offering international audiences insight into the broader implications of occupation and conflict on civilian life.
The Love Letter to Donbas exhibition exemplifies cultural diplomacy in action. By highlighting the resilience and daily lives of Donbas residents, it informs European audiences, strengthens public understanding of geopolitical crises, and reinforces solidarity with Ukraine. Such events advance both bilateral and multilateral dialogue, demonstrating the strategic role of art and journalism in international engagement and soft power.
