FUIB and photographers Konstantin and Vlada Liberov presented a charity edition of the book "Eyes of War"

In times of war, art and culture become the pillar of society, helping to preserve unity, national dignity and faith in the future. That is why FUIB also joins in supporting cultural initiatives and preserving national memory. On May 29, a presentation of the photo book "Eyes of War" by Konstantin and Vlada Lieberov, published with the support of FUIB, took place in Kyiv.

The event brought together journalists, artists, and military personnel, representatives of volunteer organizations and cultural institutions, who were among the first to see the publication and talk live with the authors of the book.

The event was held in a chamber atmosphere of sincere conversation. Kostyantyn and Vlada talked about the creation of “Eyes of War” and the experience they went through alongside the heroes of the photos. Behind each of the 280 photographs taken between 2022 and 2025 are stories of strength and pain, despair and hope of Ukrainians who had to look into the eyes of war. Flipping through the pages of the book, the guests, together with the authors, immersed themselves in the events to which the chapters of the book are devoted: “Fight. Military”, “Da Vinci”, “New War”, “Captivity”, “Fight. Civilians”, “Hope”.

As Vlada Liberova noted: "This is a very difficult experience. In these photos, there are things that people should not see. Because these things should not exist in normal life. But, unfortunately, they exist. So we have to look war in the eye, we have to withstand its gaze and, most importantly, tell the world and future generations about what we saw with the hope that this will not happen again."

It is symbolic that this conversation took place in the reading room of the Yaroslav the Wise National Library. The location was chosen as a place that preserves the memory and truth of many generations of Ukrainians. A few days before the event, enemy shelling damaged the facade of the library. Therefore, the presentation of “Eyes of War” took on a special meaning here – proving that the truth needs protection today more than ever.

Actually, this is what FUIB is doing, helping to spread “Eyes of War”. The bank financed the publication of a charity edition of the book — 500 copies, which will be given to Ukrainian libraries, media, diplomatic missions and organizations working to preserve historical memory. In particular, during the presentation, the book was received by the following NGOs: VeteranHub, “Veteranka”, “Hospitaliers”, “Zemlyachki”, “Agenty Krovy” and “Solomyanski Kotyki”, Superhumans and “Neopalimy” centers, Stratcom Ukraine Strategic Communications Center (Invictus Games project), KSE Veterans Office, Blood Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Heart of Azovstal Foundation, AzovOne, Serhiy Prytula Foundation, units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Security Service of Ukraine, the Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ukrainian National Libraries named after Vernadsky and Yaroslav Mudry, university libraries and many other organizations..

The authors and FUIB thanked all those present for their support and courage to together preserve and spread the truth about the war. Tetyana Kolesnyk, Head of Social Projects at FUIB, noted: “It is important for us that the memory of the people whose stories are captured in the book “Eyes of War” is not only preserved, but also passed on to future generations. That is why we will be happy to transfer copies of the publication, which is not yet on sale, to the collections of libraries and partner organizations. We are convinced that this book is not only an artistic project, but also an important element of the modern archive of Ukrainian memory – a testimony of events, people and stories that must be preserved.”

The event ended – like the book, which ends with a chapter on “Hope” – on a bright note. The authors signed copies for guests, holding their young son Noah in their arms and inspiring faith and hope for the future.

Book Information:

“Eyes of War” is a documentary photo album by military photographers Konstantin and Vlada Lieberov, published with the support of FUIB Bank and presented in 2026 to an international audience at The London Book Fair.

The book includes 280 photos taken during 2022-2025 on the contact line, in frontline zones and rear cities. Through the lens, the authors tell the honest story of the war. The captured moments clearly show the strength and pain, dignity and indomitability of Ukrainians. Chapter by chapter – “Fight. Military”, “Da Vinci”, “New War”, “Captivity”, “Fight. Civilian”, “Hope” – the authors reflect on their own experience and reality of the war.

Konstantin and Vlada themselves say: “The idea for the book was born from the feeling that war is disappearing from the information space, although it has not disappeared from people's lives. The title “Eyes of War” has a personal meaning. It is not about us. We are not the eyes of war. We felt that war has its own eyes and looks at the viewer. Through our photographs, war seems to say: I exist, see me.”

The book “Eyes of War” will be available for free in early summer, but you can pre-order it now at the link.