<![CDATA[THE PICTURES: Portraits]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/s/portraitshttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!KRf9!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fde5ac4d9-f3b2-4910-b2cb-9faecb8e4ebc_256x256.pngTHE PICTURES: Portraitshttps://www.thepictures.uk/s/portraitsSubstackSat, 25 Apr 2026 17:37:27 GMT<![CDATA[Borys Grynyov]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/borys-grynyovhttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/borys-grynyovSun, 04 Aug 2024 13:51:08 GMTThe interview with Professor Borys Grynyov delved into his passionate campaign to sever ties between the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) and the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN). Grynyov's deep commitment to ensuring scientific research serves peaceful purposes was palpable.

Professor Borys Grynyov is a distinguished Ukrainian physicist with decades of experience in nuclear physics. He has served as Ukraine's representative at various international scientific councils and held significant governmental positions, including Deputy Minister of Science. Grynyov is a fervent advocate for the expulsion of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) from CERN, highlighting concerns over the misuse of scientific research for military purposes.

During a conversation with me on Sunday, August 4, 2024, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Professor Grynyov expressed his concerns about the misuse of advanced research for military applications.

"Continuing collaboration of CERN with the JINR during the ongoing war allows the institutions of the Russian Federation, which partake in military programmes, to benefit from continued access to the latest technological developments," he emphasised.

Grynyov also highlighted the dual-use nature of scientific advancements, stating, "First of all, directly from these experiments, the knowledge can be used in medicine, custom control, and various industrial applications. However, these same advancements can be repurposed for military technology."

His resolve to safeguard the integrity of scientific research amidst the geopolitical tensions was unwavering. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

All images and text are copyright THE PICTURES and VX Pictures and are available for editorial use only.

Click here for the gallery of his portraits. More portraits of Professor Grynyov working in his institute will be available this week. A detailed story is available upon request as the interview is already completed, and I have submitted questions to JINR and CERN for comments.

]]><![CDATA[Sali Berisha ]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/sali-berishahttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/sali-berishaTue, 30 Jul 2024 23:33:47 GMTPhotographed in an exclusive interview with The Frontliner Magazine, Sali Berisha discusses the intricate geopolitics of the Balkans, the controversial role of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and the influence of international actors such as George Soros.

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]]><![CDATA[Howard Lewis]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/howard-lewishttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/howard-lewisTue, 30 Jul 2024 23:29:59 GMTThe interview with Howard Lewis explored the origins and philosophy behind Offline. Howard's passion for fostering connections and embracing diversity was evident. During a conversation with me on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, Howard shared how Offline began as casual dinners where he shared articles, leading to a unique format for gatherings. The emphasis was on genuine interactions and intellectual growth. Howard's vision of a world where curiosity and compassion connect people left a lasting impression. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

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]]><![CDATA[Sascha Klamp]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/sascha-klamphttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/sascha-klampTue, 30 Jul 2024 23:25:57 GMTDuring my meeting with Sascha Klamp on April 25, 2023, at his apartment in northeast London, we discussed the details of his recent project, "The Art of Seeing, The Art of Remembering." Sascha is a British/German documentary filmmaker and photographer whose work focuses on highlighting social impact and social justice affairs. His experience as an investor and entrepreneur has taken him to frontier and emerging markets across the globe, which informs his photography practice. The project is a collaboration with the community of Khachik in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

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]]><![CDATA[Alban Hyseni]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/alban-hysenihttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/alban-hyseniTue, 30 Jul 2024 23:22:46 GMTAlban Hyseni, the mayor of Gjilan, was photographed by VX Pictures during his official duties on Friday, March 10, 2023. Prior to his current role, Hyseni served as a member of the parliament, actively participating in various committees such as the Parliamentary Committee for Legislation, Mandate, Immunities, Regulations of the Assembly, and Supervision of the Anti-Corruption Agency. Hyseni ran for the position of mayor in the recent local elections in Kosovo and emerged as the winner. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

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]]><![CDATA[Shkendije Himaj ]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/shkendije-himajhttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/shkendije-himajTue, 30 Jul 2024 23:19:59 GMTThis is a portrait of Shkendije Himaj, captured in Prishtina, Kosovo's capital, on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

Shkendije Himaj, a 40-year-old economist, was born and raised in Decan, Dukagjini Plains of Western Kosovo. She pursued her studies in economics at the University of Prishtina. During the war in 1997-1999, she and her husband sought refuge in Canada, where they continued their education and careers in economics. In February 2004, they returned to Kosovo, driven by a strong commitment to contribute their expertise to their home country.

Shkendije applied for a position at the Central Bank of Kosovo in 2004 and successfully went through a selection process involving representatives from the IMF and USAID. Her talent and hard work led to her advancement within the institution, securing promotions through openly announced positions. However, her tenure at the Central Bank ended unexpectedly in May 2022 when she was informed of the termination of her contract by the current governor, Fehmi Mehmeti.

Despite this setback, Shkendije remains dedicated to her vision of ensuring equal access to banking products and services for all Kosovars. She firmly believes that financial inclusion plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and reducing poverty. Shkendije's expertise and commitment have earned her recognition as a highly qualified candidate for the position of governor at the Central Bank of Kosovo. A British company hired to ensure merit-based hiring processes for high-level government public servants has ranked her as the top candidate.

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]]><![CDATA[Hajrulla Çeku]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/hajrulla-cekuhttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/hajrulla-cekuTue, 30 Jul 2024 23:17:01 GMTThis is a photograph of Hajrulla Çeku, taken in Prishtina, Kosovo, on Feb. 27, 2023. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

Hajrulla Çeku has actively engaged in civil society for 15 years, focusing on areas such as cultural heritage, tourism, urban planning, and the environment. In 2017, he was granted Albanian citizenship and recognised as a person of culture. He subsequently served as Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment in the Albanian Government. Following his return to Kosovo, he was elected as a member of parliament and later appointed as the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports in March 2021.

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]]><![CDATA[Zana Hoxha]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/zana-hoxhahttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/zana-hoxhaTue, 30 Jul 2024 23:13:10 GMTZana Hoxha, a 42-year-old Kosovo Albanian feminist artist and activist, was captured in front of a wall displaying pictures of shows she has directed at her office in Prishtina, Kosovo's capital, during a conversation with VX Pictures on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

Following the end of the war in Kosovo in 1999, Zana pursued studies in theatre direction at the University of Prishtina from 2000 to 2006. However, her aspiration was to become a film director. Due to her pregnancy with her first child in 2003, it took her six years to complete her studies. Just before her graduation, she welcomed her second daughter. During her academic journey, she was also involved in three independent projects. Notably, Zana is the founder of Art Polis and the FEMART Festival in Kosovo, which will celebrate its second decade of productive activities on February 24, 2024.

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]]><![CDATA[Alexei Tulbure]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/alexei-tulburehttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/alexei-tulbureTue, 30 Jul 2024 23:08:38 GMTThis is a portrait of Alexei Tulbure shot in the Capital, Chisinau, Moldova, on Saturday, Nov 19, 2022. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

Alexei Tulbure served as the ambassador of Moldova to the Council of Europe in 2002 and as Moldovan ambassador to the UN from 2006 to 2008.

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]]><![CDATA[Octavian Fedco]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/octavian-fedcohttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/octavian-fedcoTue, 30 Jul 2024 23:06:03 GMT"Octavian hopes that pro-Russian parties will never take over the high office in Chisinau, Moldova."

I photographed Octavian on Saturday, Nov 19, 2022, at Tudor Vladimirescu's makeshift studio of the VX pictures in the capital Chisinau, Moldova. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

Octavian Fedco, 26, who studied architecture, is now a graphic designer and photographer in Chisinau. He works with the Moldova for Peace charitable organisation, which supports refugees fleeing Russian aggression from Ukraine. Octavian began as a volunteer with "Moldova for Peace" and was eventually hired as a full-time professional. The organisation provides supplies such as food, clothes, and blankets, and organises educational and entertainment events for Ukrainian children. While hopeful that pro-Russian parties will not gain power in Moldova, Octavian fears the situation remains uncertain.

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]]><![CDATA[Ion Munteanu]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/ion-munteanuhttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/ion-munteanuTue, 30 Jul 2024 23:02:18 GMT"My country has chosen a European path, and we will enforce the law; we will fight corruption," declared Ion Munteanu.

These portraits were taken at the offices of the Moldovan General Prosecutor in Chisinau, Moldova, on Monday, Nov 21, 2022, during an interview with interim General Prosecutor Ion Munteanu. The interview was conducted by American journalist Kris Parker and British-Kosovar photojournalist Vudi Xhymshiti. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

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]]><![CDATA[Vudi Xhymshiti, ]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/vudi-xhymshiti-photojournalisthttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/vudi-xhymshiti-photojournalistTue, 30 Jul 2024 22:58:14 GMTVudi Xhymshiti, a dedicated photojournalist, concentrates on the interplay between Eastern and Western politics and the displacement of people caused by armed conflicts and climate change. His work aims to shed light on these pressing global issues. This portrait was taken on Str. Tudor Vladimirescu in Chisinau, Moldova, on Thursday, Nov 17, 2022. For more about him, please see his website www.vudixhymshiti.uk. (Photograph by Kris Parker for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

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]]><![CDATA[Kristopher Parker]]>https://www.thepictures.uk/p/kristopher-parker-journalisthttps://www.thepictures.uk/p/kristopher-parker-journalistTue, 30 Jul 2024 22:54:13 GMTKristopher Parker, an American writer, has been concentrating his efforts on Eastern Europe. His work is currently centred in this region, providing insightful coverage and analysis. This portrait was taken on Str. Tudor Vladimirescu in Chisinau, Moldova, on Tuesday, Nov 15, 2022.

(Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)

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