KHARKIV, UKRAINE - MAY 14, 2025: Olena Kurilo, whose bandaged face became a symbol of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, voiced cautious hope for peace in an interview to Anadolu on Wednesday (May 14) as Türkiye prepares to host new negotiations, but said she does not trust Russia’s intentions. “Ukraine has always been ready for negotiations,” Kurilo said. “But the other side — especially with Putin involved — has consistently looked for excuses to delay any real talks.” Kurilo, injured during the first days of the Russian invasion, expressed gratitude to Ankara. “I’m truly grateful to Türkiye and President Erdogan for offering a platform for peace,” she said. However, she remained skeptical about the outcome. “I want peace, like every Ukrainian, but I don’t believe Putin. He will make demands Ukraine cannot accept — like recognizing occupied regions and giving up our land.” She added that the talks may not be genuine if President Vladimir Putin avoids attending. “Putin won’t show up. He’ll send Peskov, Lavrov — the usual faces. And if that happens, the talks will be pointless.” Kurilo also criticized Western support as delayed. “Europe could have done much more and much sooner. We are defending ourselves, but we’re not allowed to strike back.” Reflecting on her visit to Türkiye before the war, she said: “It’s a beautiful, harmonious country. I hope one day, after peace, all Ukrainians will be able to visit Türkiye and get to know your culture.” The image of Olena Kurilo, captured by Schwan in Kharkiv, Ukraine, emerged as a symbol of the conflict, drawing widespread attention from media outlets worldwide. CNN marked the onset of the war by featuring the photo, while the image adorned the front pages of prominent international newspapers such as The Guardian, The Times, The Sun, the Independent, and Bild. It also received extensive coverage on news broadcasts of global television networks like CNN and BBC. Titled First Face of War: Intimate Portrait of Ukrainian Teacher, 2022, the photograph was auctioned at Heritage Auctions in the US, with the entire $100,000 proceeds donated to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society. In recognition of his work, Schwan earned the top prize in the Storytelling category at the 2023 Siena International Photography Awards for his series titled Ukrainian War. Olena Kurilo: The Face of the Ukrainian War also secured an honorable mention in the Documentary & Photojournalism category.