In partnership with the Kyiv Independent, UAPP continues its monthly feature — a selection of key photographs that most accurately convey the events, mood, and challenges of another month of the full‑scale war.

In the city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, the situation is deteriorating: urban combat is underway, and all logistical routes are under enemy fire control. More than a thousand civilians remain in the city, which has effectively become a trap. Some still attempt to escape by car or on foot, but they fall victim to Russian sabotage‑reconnaissance groups infiltrating the city, or to targeted attacks by Russian drones. Russian forces also disguise themselves as civilians, which may constitute a war crime. This is noted in a new report by the Institute for the Study of War. Kremlin propaganda consistently exploits residents of frontline towns in its narrative about so‑called “atrocities by the Ukrainian Armed Forces” and claims that the Ukrainian military uses locals as “human shields.” In October 2025, it became known that a Russian sabotage‑reconnaissance group had infiltrated Pokrovsk and killed several civilians there. Propagandists quickly attempted to shift the blame onto Ukrainian soldiers.

During the week of 20–26 October, the Russian army carried out massive strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Several regions experienced power outages, with the situation in Chernihiv and the surrounding area being the most severe. Ukrainian military intelligence links the heavy attacks on Chernihiv and Sumy regions to Russia’s attempts to create “buffer” and “sanitary zones” there. Over the course of the week, the enemy attacked the capital four times. Media workers, rescuers, and children were killed as a result of Russian aggression. The Russian army continues to bombard frontline regions, hunting people and vehicles with drones.

Photographer Daria Svertilova explains how she searches for ways to convey the pain of war in images without relying on obvious signs of tragedy — and why she never grows tired of speaking about the war to people who are tired of hearing about it.

On 10 October 2025, the names of the eight winners of the MYPH PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE 2025 were announced. Established last year by the Mykolaiv School of Conceptual and Art Photography MYPH, the prize has become a launchpad for young Ukrainian photographers to promote their art in the difficult times of war. The winners receive not only awards and special gifts but also the opportunity to take part in an exhibition of their works.