‘Ukraine: A War Crime’ opens in Prishtina bringing harrowing stories of war

‘Ukraine: A War Crime’ opens in Prishtina bringing harrowing stories of war

Following its successful premiere in Tirana, on April 29, 2024, in the Grand Hotel Prishtina, the exhibition “Ukraine: A War Crime” was opened. The exhibition, derived from the book of the same title, published by FotoEvidence, offers a poignant and deeply personal testament to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

The book “Ukraine: A War Crime features over 360 powerful photographs along with 30 eyewitness accounts, providing first-hand evidence of the Russian occupation of Ukraine. Through the lenses of these talented photojournalists, the exhibition captures the dire realities of the conflict, the humanitarian crisis and the relentless pursuit of justice for war crimes committed on Ukrainian soil. 

Welcoming the participants, Ms. Lura Limani the director for Kosovo from the Open Society Foundations — Western Balkans emphasized the importance of this exhibition being held in Kosovo, and especially in the Grand Hotel, which “served as a base for foreign journalists during the war in Kosovo, but also as an alleged place of torture for Albanian civilians by Serbian paramilitaries.” 

The Regional Director of the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans, Mr. Andi Dobrushi highlighted the support that Ukraine has received from Kosovo, Albania and other WB countries, from the first day of the Russian invasion. He also teased the production of the second book by FotoEvidence “on the Ukraine war, with over 120 photojournalists documenting from the war front”. 

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Albin Kurti emphasized that Kosovo stands in solidarity with Ukraine “as a duty and responsibility of every democratic state to stand against the illegal Russian occupation of Ukraine, and to help Ukraine with every tool they possess”. 

The curator of the exhibition and Director of FotoEvidence, Ms. Svetlana Bachevanova reminisced about her time spent covering the war in Kosovo and how the photos taken at that time were then used by ICTY to prosecute war crimes, and that’s the importance of this book and exhibition – to document war crimes.  

Ukraine-based American photojournalist, Mr. Brendan Hoffman, echoed this statement, and added that he saw hope coming in Kosovo, and that he wishes the war would end soon and that Ukraine will be free.  


This exhibition, produced by FotoEvidence and supported by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans, in partnership with the Barabar Center, is a reflection of the nature of the ongoing struggle and a vital tool for mobilization and advocacy.

The exhibition remained open in Prishtina from April 29 to May 17 and will continue to the other capitals of the Western Balkans, starting with Skopje on June 12.  

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