The talks with photographer Brett Lloyd began well before the war.
As male citizens were lining up to enroll in the army, we temporarily folded that title.
Without hesitation, Lloyd was ready to go.
Model Karyna Mazyar and cadets of the Ivan Bohun Military High School in Kyiv, February 2024
In late November, Brett and his assistant embarked on a 24-hour journey from London to Kyiv via Warsaw.
This was his first visit.
We agreed that the photo essay should not be about fashion.
Oksana Rubanyak Xena, writer and platoon commander of a brigade of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, photographed in Kyiv, February 2024.
Our team started in Kyiv.
Brett first met Hanna Vasyk, a 38-year-old art manager turned army medic.
She arrived on set directly from the Southern frontline, noticeably stressed and tired.
Bohdana Golub, a jiu-jitsu master (Europe 2022 champion) and military volunteer.
Still Vasyk was happy to come.
I felt her strength but also her fragility, Brett says.
Bohdana Golub, a jiu-jitsu master (Europe 2022 champion) and military volunteer.
Students of Honey Badger BJJ Kyiv Family jiu-jitsu club.
The team continued their tour around the Ukrainian capital, which was unexpectedly alive.
Brett went to a local motorcycle club.
He shot its heavily-tattooed owner, Artem Grot, in a hangar.
Сadet of the Ivan Bohun Military High School.
Students of Honey Badger BJJ Kyiv Family jiu-jitsu club.
At a rough estimate, a quarter of the city has been ruined.
The cafe belongs to a Georgian couple, who despite the immediate danger, refuse to evacuate.
Model Karyna Mazyar and cadets of the Ivan Bohun Military High School.
They wanted to stay and care for the Ukrainian troops that were heading to the front.
Every day he moves between damaged local churchessome with missing walls and ceilingsbut he continues to serve his parishioners.
The markets were busy … the older people continuing with their daily lives, shopping and visiting church.
Model Darya Makarova and her boyfriend military officer, code name Grizzly.
All this happening to the sounds of war in the background.
Seeing the locals acting calmly also influenced my level of calm.
I didnt see any distress in their faces so I carried on.
Shamil Konbutayev.
adet of the Ivan Bohun Military High School.
Model Karyna Mazyar and cadets of the Ivan Bohun Military High School.
Brett came back to Ukraine early February.
Cadets of the Ivan Bohun Military High School.
This time he wanted to focus on the lives of the civilians and members of our emerging creative scene.
Model Darya Makarova and her boyfriend military officer, code name Grizzly.
Amid the terror of this war I met people with such kindness and creativity, Brett says.
Cadets of the Ivan Bohun Military High School.
I hope this story translates the message of hope and resilience.
I want the international audience to know how alive Ukraine is right now.
Cadets of the Ivan Bohun Military High School.
Oksana Rubanyak Xena.
Titov Danilo and Denis Pidenko, students.
Titov Danilo and Denis Pidenko, students.
Сadet of the Ivan Bohun Military High School.
