Photographer: Roman Hrytsyna

13 years of Olympic sport - fencing. After that, I decided to move into the field of health and create my own exercise routine to get rid of joint and back pain.
That's how I've been working with people, their minds, bodies, and spirits for over 25 years. I use different methods, approaches, and tools to improve people's quality of life and integrity.

On the first day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, February 24, 2022, I met an amazing photographer from Barcelona, Emilio Morenatti, on the road near a gas station and became his driver, local guide, security guard, translator, and assistant. That's how my new life story as a reporter for The Associated Press began.
I had long dreamed of owning a camera. At first, I shot videos on my phone, and then the coordinator became interested in my footage, and the material went into the news feed. After a couple of months, I had to choose between video and photography. Of course, I chose photography and bought my first camera. So, for two years of war, I filmed various stories throughout Ukraine, learning on the job and having amazing teachers.
I saw people and life in all its manifestations. Looking through the camera lens, I tried to see the world in a new way, one that I had never noticed before.
In 2023, I miraculously escaped from Ukraine and went to meet my beloved daughter, who was waiting for me on the island of Bali.
I am still alive, smiling, with warmth and love in my heart.