KYIV, Ukraine, 12 September 2026 — A new photography exhibition by acclaimed Danish war photographer Mikkel Hørlyck, called “Ukraine: Tip of the Spear,” is opening in Kyiv, bringing to the public stories of Ukrainians who continue to drive the country’s recovery despite the ongoing war.

Created by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Governments of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the exhibition features portraits of scientists, veterans, energy workers, deminers, doctors, entrepreneurs and local government representatives. Their stories offer a human perspective on Ukraine’s resilience and the determination of people who continue to keep their communities functioning, rebuild livelihoods, and create new opportunities despite facing extraordinary challenges.

Through Hørlyck’s visual storytelling, the exhibition also highlights the role of international solidarity in supporting Ukraine’s recovery — including assistance from Denmark, Norway and Sweden to restore essential services, strengthen livelihoods and local institutions.

The exhibition will be on display in Kyiv at St. Sophia’s Square from 12 September until 3 October 2026. In Copenhagen, Denmark, the exhibition is already on display at City Hall Square and will remain open to the public until 14 September 2026.

The Copenhagen presentation is part of the “Human Bonds” campaign highlighting Denmark’s partnership with Ukraine and the tangible human impact of Danish support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. Through personal stories, the campaign shows how international solidarity translates into concrete support for people and communities across Ukraine.

In a statement on the initiative, Thomas Lund-Sørensen, Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine, highlighted Denmark’s commitment to supporting the people and communities building Ukraine’s future: “These photographs put people at the centre of the story. They show the courage, determination and ingenuity of Ukrainians, and remind us why our continued support matters.”

Alexander De Croo, UNDP Administrator emphasized that the people featured in the exhibition are at the forefront of Ukraine’s recovery: “These are the people keeping Ukraine going. They are restoring power, clearing mines, rebuilding businesses and holding communities together. And they are doing it while the war continues,” De Croo said. “That is what this exhibition shows: Ukraine is not waiting for recovery. Ukrainians are already building it and they deserve our full support.”

The exhibition grew out of Hørlyck’s journey across Ukraine in November and December 2025.

Mikkel Hørlyck, war photographer and creator of the exhibition, reflected on the people he met during his journeys in Ukraine: “It was an honour to photograph people across Ukraine, from communities near the eastern and southern front line,” Hørlyck said. “I met people advancing energy solutions, supporting veteran inclusion, creating new business opportunities, clearing landmines, responding to emergencies, and helping others adapt to entirely new professions. What united these stories was a shared determination to act — to rebuild, innovate, and move forward.”

Media enquiries: 

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications and Advocacy; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org