David Graham and Allan Mestel took a pause on the roadside near Donetsk, Ukraine, during their journey last summer, and Graham pointed out a faded green piece of plastic—a remnant of an exploded landmine.
“It looks like a toy,” Graham remarked to Mestel, his colleague in the journalistic project Portrait Ukraine 2023, showcased on the Spotlight Ukraine website.
“It looks like a toy; I was like ‘Allan that’s one, right here,’” Graham recalled. “It was safe, it had already exploded, but just this little piece of green plastic would take your foot off.”
Mestel added, “I think that was one of the most dangerous aspects of what we were doing the whole time we were in Donetsk: there were signs up, ‘Watch out for mines.’”
Graham, aged 56, and Mestel, aged 61, both photographers from Sarasota, Florida, embarked on a three-week journey through Ukraine, working as freelance journalists and documenting the war’s impact. They shared regular dispatches with Spotlight Ukraine, a passion project website run by Christine Mariconda, a marketing professional based in Sarasota.
Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, at least 17 journalists have lost their lives in Ukraine, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Mestel and Graham willingly embraced the risks during their trip in late August and early September, with Mestel marking this as his third and Graham’s second journey of this nature. Throughout their travels, the soldiers accompanying them consistently advised staying on paved areas due to the presence of unexploded mines.
“There were unexploded mines all over the place,” Graham informed the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, a part of the USA TODAY Network, adding, “Somebody lobs a shell and all of a sudden, there’s 200 more unexploded mines around.”
One of the more somber pieces of advice the duo received from their military escort emphasized the importance of having a tourniquet kit attached to their clothing. “Make sure they’re somewhere you can reach them one-handed, with either hand,” they were cautioned.
The hazards they faced were not just limited to physical dangers. The emotional toll of witnessing the aftermath of war, encountering displaced families, and documenting the human stories amidst conflict became an integral part of their journey.
Spotlight Ukraine served as a platform for sharing their experiences and perspectives. Mestel and Graham’s photographic documentation and accompanying narratives shed light on the impact of the conflict on local communities and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Their dedication to capturing the ground reality of the war, despite the considerable risks involved, underscores the commitment of journalists in providing a firsthand account of global events. In an era where information is crucial, their work becomes instrumental in helping the world understand the human cost and complexities of war.
As conflicts continue to unfold around the globe, the role of journalists like Mestel and Graham remains pivotal in fostering awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by communities caught in the crossfire.
In conclusion, their journey through the war-torn regions of Ukraine not only highlights the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people but also underscores the vital role that journalists play in bringing these stories to the forefront of global consciousness. Despite the risks and hardships, Mestel and Graham’s dedication to their craft exemplifies the unwavering spirit of those committed to truth and storytelling in the face of adversity.