Documenting Life in the Ukrainian International Legion Through Photography

Wed, 06 May 2026 19:56:00 +0200

Ryan Collins, born in Dahlonega, Georgia in 1989, is an American who joined the Ukrainian International Legion during the 2022 Russian invasion. Originally a ski instructor and founder of a tourism company in Georgia, Collins had a lifelong passion for photography that he rekindled while documenting his experiences as a soldier. Motivated by personal connections and a desire to help, he became an infantry sniper despite no prior combat experience. Collins’ photography captures both the intensity of the battlefield and the human moments between soldiers, from playing board games during shelling to enjoying brief respites in nature. His analog photography approach adds a tangible sense of survival and authenticity to his work. Throughout his service, he observed the resilience of Ukrainian civilians and the diverse backgrounds of his fellow legion members, many of whom were former military personnel seeking a just cause. Collins’ work provides a unique insider perspective while maintaini