They invited us to a covert base on the outskirts of Avdiivka. When we arrived all the fighters were in full gear, body armour, helmets, holding their weapons waiting in the backyard as if they were told that photographers are coming to do some portraits. I told them I prefer real moments, candid and unposed images. Also, I felt really bad for them being all geared up in the terrible heat just for some photos. So they took us into their underground barracks/base, got comfortable and then we all spent some time together talking, joking and drinking their kvass (fermented non-alcoholic drink).
One thing that was rather universal across every unit we met and almost every fighter or soldier was their universal dislike of Russia and passion for strong and independent Ukraine. There was a portrait of Stepan Bandera on the wall including the iconic red and black flag. When they asked me what does Britain think of Russia they didn't seem to know about the current Novichok issue going on but they weren't surprised. They seemed very upset when I told them about the separatist 'consulate' in the Czech Republic though. As if that gave the other side legitimacy.
I’ve had some time to explore and photograph their personal spaces around their bunks, a glimpse into their daily life. Their rifles and machine guns were always within reach but surrounded with everyday objects used to pass time. Shampoo bottles next to grenades, a fidget spinner on an ammo box, a teddy bear hanging next to a grenade launcher. The painting of Ukrainian poet and artist Taras Shevchenko with a PKM machine gun on the side of the van was one of many portraits of people that fought for Ukrainian independence from Russia throughout history.
This wasn't the last time I'd see this group this week so I was happy we established contact.