WAR
Ukraine | 2022
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In the early summer of 2022 I spent 3 weeks in Ukraine producing for the BBC News. I was based in Kyiv, with reporting trips around the city and to the frontlines in the east of the country.
Frontline Frontman: The rock band that swapped guitars for guns
Almost six months ago thousands of Ukrainian civilians joined the military to fight invading Russian forces. Among those who signed up were members of one of Ukraine’s top rock bands, Antytila.
They became Army medics in Kharkiv helping to treat wounded soldiers. The BBC joined them as they headed to the front line.
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25-minute documentary.Travelled to the frontlines of the war to Kharkiv, 40 miles from the Russian border.
Lead producer and additional camera: Alexandra Ostasiewicz. Primary cinematography and editor Christian Parkinson.
A surprise victory for Ukraine — on the football pitch
It was a match unlike any other. Ukraine taking on Scotland in a long-delayed World Cup qualifier in the shadow of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
With the war raging and restaurants and bars closed due to the curfew, people were forced to remain home to watch. There was reluctance to get too excited as it had been months since some of Ukraine’s players had competed in a match.
But, if there is one thing Ukraine has demonstrated over the course of this war, it is that they should never be written off.
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Produced from Kyiv by Alexandra Ostasiewicz on assignment for BBC News. With reporter: Joe Inwood; Camera and editing: Christian Parkinson; and Local producer: Mariana Matveichuk. After the unexpected win, this package ran widely on BBC News channels.
The war in Ukraine’s hidden threat
As residents try returning home months after the battle for Kyiv, they face a hidden threat. Mines left behind by Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to pose a danger even after fighting in the capital has ended.
The British de-mining agency the HALO Trust are working to remove mines and re-open land for cultivation. But the work is slow and could take years to complete. With heavy shelling and airstrikes continuing in the east of the country, the problem only continues to accumulate.
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Produced by Alexandra Ostasiewicz on assignment for BBC News. With reporter: Joe Inwood; Camera and editing: Christian Parkinson; and Local producer: Mariana Matveichuk.
“We’ve got to help Ukraine win the war"
After more than a year without an American ambassador in Ukraine, President Biden finally appointed Bridget Brink to the role.
A meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky was one of her first stops after arriving in the country. Zelensky has called for the US and allies to step up weapons deliveries he says the country needs defend itself from Russian troops.
In an interview with the BBC, Brink said she hoped recent weapons deliveries would strengthen the Ukrainian efforts.
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