The exhibition “Iron People,” by Dutch photojournalist Jelle Krings, has opened at Galerim Art Gallery in Ankara. The exhibition portrays the lives of Ukrainian railway workers and their families during the war. The Netherlands’ Ambassador to Ankara, Joep Wijnands, said the photographs show not only the destruction of war but also the strength and dignity of people who continue to endure. Ukraine’s Ambassador, Naryman Dzhelialov, said Krings documented not only trains but a system that refuses to collapse.
Organized by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ankara with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine, the exhibition documents the wartime lives of railway workers and their families across Ukraine. The opening was attended by Ambassador Wijnands and Ambassador Dzhelialov.
CHANGING BORDERS BY FORCE
Speaking at the opening, Ambassador Wijnands said the war, now in its fourth year, has caused immense suffering and destruction. “We are witnessing the continued violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and its internationally recognized borders. This war affects us all. It weakens the international legal order, threatens our shared security and prosperity, and risks normalizing a world where power replaces law and borders can be changed by force.”
Wijnands stressed that Russia started the war and is the only actor that can end it. “Until then, Ukraine must be able to defend itself and deserves the continued support of the international community.” He added that the Netherlands has committed more than €21.8 billion in support to Ukraine over the past four years.
SYMBOLIZES NOT DESTRUCTION BUT RESILIENCE
Wijnands said Krings’ work highlights a powerful and often overlooked dimension of the war by focusing on railway workers and their families. He noted that railway workers evacuated thousands of civilians in the first days of the invasion, then returned to dangerous areas to help others escape. “Their story is one of quiet heroism, a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment. It shows not only the destruction of war, but also the strength and dignity of people who continue to endure.”
A SYSTEM THAT REFUSES TO COLLAPSE
Ambassador Dzhelialovsaid Krings documented not only railway workers but also a system that refuses to collapse. He said Ukraine’s railway network has become more than infrastructure since February 24, 2022. “Railways have become a place of hope, a point of return, and, at times, a place of final farewells.”
Despite ongoing attacks on infrastructure, Celal said the railways continue to operate and movement continues despite the war. He added that, like the railway system, Ukraine itself continues to move forward toward a future free from the Russian war and toward a democratic future.
