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Maksim Levin, Killed In Ukraine, Leaves Behind A Legacy Of Powerful Photojournalism

The power of photojournalism lies in the storyteller's ability to capture fleeting moments that have lasting impact. It is also a profession fraught with peril, especially in times of war. Ukrainian photojournalist and documentarian Maksim Levin was killed while covering Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.*

A Ukrainian presidential aide said that Levin went missing on March 13 in the Kyiv region and that his body was found near the village of Huta Mezhyhirska on April 1. Ukraine's Prosecutor-General's Office said that, according to preliminary findings, Levin “was fatally shot twice with small-arms fire, by servicemen" of the Russian military. Levin, 40, leaves behind his wife and four children.
Most of Levin's images centered on conflict, yet he also had a keen eye for capturing quiet moments that linger: A villager moving his animals to safety from an encroaching fire, a mourner in tears at a cemetery, or a simple photo of a woman giving a soldier a flower in appreciation.

Here's a look at some of the stories Levin documented with his camera.

*A previous version of this gallery said that Levin was a contributor to RFE/RL. He was not.

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RFE/RL

RFE/RL journalists report the news in 27 languages in 23 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established. We provide what many people cannot get locally: uncensored news, responsible discussion, and open debate.

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