Cutting Through Chaos: Kharkiv’s Barbers Hold the Line

Roman’s barbershop in Kharkiv, run by resilient barbers like Katya and Anya, offers soldiers a rare moment of normalcy amidst the chaos of war.

Kharkiv, Ukraine — Roman is not your ordinary barber. As the owner of three barbershops in Kharkiv, he represents a unique fusion of resilience, ingenuity, and adaptability, having weathered both the storm of war and the challenges of a global pandemic. Roman's journey, however, extends beyond the confines of Ukraine. With his daughter living in the United States and a personal connection to Los Angeles, his experience is a testament to the interconnectedness of our world, even in times of conflict.

Roman poses for a picture inside the barbershop premises on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in an undisclosed location in Kharkiv, Ukraine. As the resilient owner of multiple barbershops, Roman has become a symbol of strength and perseverance amidst the chaos of war. (VX Photo/Vudi Xhymshiti)