My journey in Ukraine began in Kyiv. On my first day there, I got the chance to photograph Roxolana at her first performance since the Russian invasion. I was immediately struck by how open and vulnerable she was on stage. There was clearly a question hanging around this performance: can you celebrate while a war is going on? That is why I photographed through a gauze cloth, because; are we allowed to see this? A pop concert is also very closely linked to war in Ukraine. For instance, a former soldier danced along and part of the proceeds of this concert were donated to defence to buy more weapons.

During war, people are also looking for the feeling of freedom. There are moments when the fear and sadness seem to fall away for a moment, for instance during this concert. Tears roll down cheeks with emotion, arms go up in the air, people close their eyes and the music sounds. For a moment, war does not seem to exist. Until the air alarm goes off again and reality shakes everyone awake.