[Cyprus Times] The young photographer from Ukraine who turns war into art through TikTok (video)

The sound of sirens can be heard in the distance, while everywhere you look you see images of destruction, broken glass and debris scattered in the streets, which are empty: these are the images that a young Ukrainian photographer captures and shares with her tens of thousands of followers on TikTok.

Valeria Sassenok[/B] takes to the streets of Chernihiv every day and takes videos of her war-torn city. She lives in a shelter with her family, her mother, father and dog, while her friends have left in search of other safety.

Valeria despite the difficulties she faces, she is optimistic and has managed to turn war into art, which she shares on TikTok, with her videos going viral with millions of views.

The video that made her famous was when she danced to the song "Che La Luna," with the caption reading:

"My typical day in a shelter."

She uses a hot air gun to dry her hair while her dog hides under a blanket. Her mother nearby is cooking in a pot on the floor.

[BB]

[BB]@valerisssh Come to Ukraine after the war and eat vareniki with potato! My mom best at it! #stopwar #ukraine #bombshelter ♬ Hava Nagila The Jewish Starlight Orchestra

In other videos, Valeria stands in front of rubble. "Today Putin destroyed one of the oldest buildings in my city. It was a cinema that had survived from World War II," she says.

[/P]

@valerisssh I spent my childhood here, thanks Russia ??? #stopwar ♬ ylang ylang solartunne

@valerisssh Russian government, thank u! #stopwar #ukraine ♬ Tarantella Mulberry Street

As she shows the world, the shelves at grocery stores are empty and the groceries she manages to find and take to her family.

@valerisssh I'm in love of my life! ??? #ukraine #stopwar ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey

@valerisssh I found the last avocado in the supermarket!!!!! #ukraine #stopwar #russiastop ♬ Sleigh Ride Leroy Anderson

Speaking to CNNi on Sunday when asked why he started TikTok, he replied. This is what it is and I am here and I am living it,"[/B] he says.

[/P]

@valerisssh My advice to everybody! Pls, try grechka!!!!!! Try to stay positive! #ukraine #stopwar ♬ Ice Dance (From Edward Scissorhands) Ashton Gleckman

He goes on to say that: "Many Russians send me messages we are with you. In Russia there is a lot of fake news, most people don't believe that in my country we have a war. My mission is to show them the truth."

It should be noted that the social media outlet has announced that it will suspend some of its operations in Russia following the law on "false news" spreading.

@valerissshTypical situation in Ukraine[/P]

♬ Che La Luna Louis Prima

The young photographer also talks about her concern for the future of her country.

"Every day I live with the hope that tomorrow the war will end but everything is getting worse and worse. Everyone is afraid for their lives."

Like many people, Valeria's family is reluctant to leave because of reports of attacks on civilian civilians. On Monday she said that "if tomorrow, 9/3, Russian troops do not kill civilians, we will leave."

On Tuesday she said they still do not want to move from the shelter, although humanitarian corridors have been opened.

Despite the terrifying situations she is living in, she continues to dream about her future. She wants to one day go to the US and work as a journalist for TikTok.

@valerissshWelcome to my 5 stars hotel ???[/P]

♬ original sound allrapperlations

Hope for a better life and a new beginning drives Valeria to continue her work.

"People value freedom, it's the most important thing we have," she concludes.

Source.