Kharkiv, Mariupol, Kherson, and Borodianka are now barely recognizable even to their native residents. In their memories, these places were cozy and beautiful, with landmarks, architectural monuments, and favorite spots where people would gather, eat, work, and relax. How do the streets and avenues, once so familiar to locals, look after a month of war? The catastrophic changes are something we can all see, as depicted in the works of Kharkiv-based designer Andrey Goopsa.
Andrey, tell us a bit about yourself: where do you live, and what do you do?
I’m from Kharkiv, born and raised there. I used to think of myself primarily as a video blogger and secondly as a designer. Now it’s the other way around. A huge part of my life was devoted to my YouTube channel. I filmed all sorts of things: exploring abandoned places in Ukraine, drawing art by hand on camera, and much more. Eventually, I started taking on architecture-related commissions. For instance, there’s a company that makes granite products. Say, the mayor of a city contacts them to beautify a park. Based on current photos, I use graphics to show what the final result will look like. In other words, I create not just detached 3D projects but realistic presentations using before-and-after photos with transformation animations.
The whole world knows and sees what is happening in Kharkiv right now. Despite this, could you describe the situation from the perspective of a witness?
Tanks—ours and theirs—(this interview was conducted in March 2022 — Editor’s note), overturned cars, wires hanging above the roads, destroyed five-story Khrushchyovkas. I’ve seen all of this while driving around the city. And the constant sound of explosions—well, that’s something I don’t even mention anymore. It’s just become the norm.
Retroville Mall in Kyiv.
Photos of Ukrainian cities before and after the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion — how did they come about?
I have extensive experience in creating realistic "before" and "after" images. I thought I could use this skill to show the world the consequences of Russia’s invasion in the most visually impactful way.
An interesting fact: just a few weeks before the invasion, someone approached me for a project. The task was to depict what would happen to Kharkiv if Russia attacked. I was supposed to simulate the destruction of cities. Ironically, now both the "before" and "after" can be found online, based on real, unfortunately tragic, photos.
A gallery of photos of Ukrainian cities before and after attacks by the Russian army is published here. All the images were created by Andrey Goopsa—follow him on Instagram.
What emotions and thoughts arise during the creation process?
Honestly, while I’m working on the images, I’m focused on the technical aspects—how to position the photos, how to "draw in" missing fragments, and where to draw the dividing line to make the comparison as clear and informative as possible. There are countless small but crucial details. However, the emotional weight hits before I even start the photomontage—when I first come across the photos I’ll be working on. The sheer scale of the destruction and the immense suffering, problems, and losses this war has brought is overwhelming.
There are comments under your Instagram posts claiming the destruction is fake. Do you respond to these?
I don’t think I’ve ever responded… Arguing with people who believe that the destruction in Ukraine is fake is pointless. It wastes time and nerves. But I’m grateful to my followers who take on that task and handle it wonderfully.
Before the war, you published videos and photos of virtually restored apartments and streets of Pripyat—a city turned into an exclusion zone after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Can you tell us about that project?
Yes, actually, my current work started with the Pripyat project. I thought it would be amazing to depict what Pripyat might look like in the 21st century if the disaster had never happened. I had the skills and decided to put them to use. This led to another theme: transforming post-Soviet cities. I showcased how they could be modernized and made more European. This is the work I’m most proud of because it feels purposeful. Raising people’s expectations for urban development is something my project can achieve. And where there’s demand, change will follow.
What’s the first thing you’ll do when the war is over?
Honestly, I want to work fully and develop at double speed. I hope to create several projects for restoring streets—not to their original state but to make them even more beautiful and better than before.
Other than that, my girlfriend and I want to spend a day like we used to: take a walk, have lunch somewhere, and watch a movie with our cat. That’s probably it.
Cities of Ukraine during the war
The cities of Ukraine before and after the attacks of the russian army
Ukrainian designer Andriy Goopsa showcased how Ukrainian cities have changed over the course of the war
