Story perspectives

Ukrainian-Russian Journalist Smuggles WWII Negatives to Challenge Moscow

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Arthur Bondar, a Ukrainian-Russian photojournalist, preserves World War II history with 35,000 negatives.
The negatives include Reichsarbeitsdienst images and come from various sources, underscoring authenticity.
In 2023, he smuggled the negatives from Moscow to Germany, risking penalties under Russian censorship laws.
The archive counters Moscow’s glorified war narrative and its justification of actions in Ukraine.
Bondar has shown the collection in exhibitions and publications to illuminate war’s complexities.

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Story summary

Arthur Bondar, a Ukrainian-Russian photojournalist, preserves World War II history with 35,000 negatives.
The negatives include Reichsarbeitsdienst images and come from various sources, underscoring authenticity.
In 2023, he smuggled the negatives from Moscow to Germany, risking penalties under Russian censorship laws.
The archive counters Moscow’s glorified war narrative and its justification of actions in Ukraine.
Bondar has shown the collection in exhibitions and publications to illuminate war’s complexities.