From the first days of the full-scale war, PUMB has been contributing to the struggle for the freedom and dignity of our state. And this contribution is not only financial. The bank helps provide units with gear and equipment, save the lives of the wounded, integrate male and female veterans into society, and promote Ukrainian culture and art. This year, the bank became a partner for the publication of the book "Eyes of War" by military photographers Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov.
Kostia and Vlada Liberov captured these shots in the hottest spots so that the world would look into the eyes of war. The partnership with PUMB was born from a shared desire to preserve this truth. Their work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Der Spiegel, and the BBC. These and other piercing photographs formed the basis of the book "Eyes of War."
About the book
"Eyes of War" is a documentary photo project, a book containing 280 photographs taken by Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov from 2022 to 2025, along with stories dedicated to the events written by Vlada. But it is not just a collection of photos with commentary. It is a cohesive artistic work that reflects on the authors' personal experiences while simultaneously documenting the truth of the war in Ukraine.
Page by page, the book tells of the realities of military actions, of fear and hope, losses and choices that the authors experience alongside the subjects of the photographs. It is not a chronology of events — each chapter of the book addresses a separate theme: "Struggle. Military," "Da Vinci," "New War," "Captivity," "Struggle. Civilians," "Hope." Each chapter is like another look into the eyes of war.
The authors themselves say: "The idea for the book was born from the feeling that the war is disappearing from the information space, even though it hasn't disappeared from people's lives. The title 'Eyes of War' has a personal meaning. It's not about us. We are not the eyes of war. We felt that the war has its own eyes and looks at the viewer. Through our photographs, the war seems to say: I exist, see me."
Mission of the partnership
The book "Eyes of War" is dedicated to events that have already passed. However, its value lies in the present. In the opportunity to show the truth that highlights the courage, dignity, and strength of Ukrainians. Both within the country and for the entire world.
Truth is easily drowned out today. But it is much harder when like-minded people unite around it: artists, businesses, the state, and citizens. Therefore, PUMB did not only support the publication of the print run; together with the authors, the bank encourages both Ukrainian and global audiences to look into the "Eyes of War."
This spring, the book was first presented to an international audience at the Ukrainian Book Institute stand during one of the world's most important publishing events — The London Book Fair. PUMB sent several copies to the collections of the British Library. At the end of May, a private presentation of the charity edition of the book will take place in Kyiv. All 500 copies will be handed over to Ukrainian artists and media, libraries in various cities of Ukraine, bookstores, and representatives of veteran and military organizations.
PUMB's partnership with Kostiantyn and Vlada Liberov was born from shared values: respect for Ukrainian identity and experience, a pursuit of justice, and faith in the future of Ukraine. It is no coincidence that the authors dedicated the book to their son Noah — even before his birth. Because it is the courage to look truth in the eye, faith in one's country, and the ability to unite around a common goal that build our shared tomorrow — especially now, when we feel the gaze of war upon us.
How to purchase the book
The book will go on sale in early summer, but you can already pre-order it at the link. So follow the news on the authors' Instagram page and dare to look into the "Eyes of War."