Behind the picture (Feb. 23/14)

Sergei Chuzavkov photo/AP

Protesters clash with police in central Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday Jan. 23, 2014 as an ultimatum issued by the opposition to the president was set to expire with no sign of a compromise on Thursday. They demanded that President Yanukovych dismiss the government, call early elections and scrap harsh anti-protest legislation that triggered the violence (Source: Flickr).

There are many photographs appearing online from the Ukraine since protests began there in January 2014. The Ukraine is no stranger to protest as the Orange Revolution (2004-2005) and current Maiden Revolution prove. In searching for a photograph to present here on photo gazetteer, this one by Sergei Chuzavkov from AP stood out amongst the rest. 

Amid the rubble and garbage two protesters sling molotov cocktails at what appears to be some sort of train. The earth is scorched and blackened as the train burns, bright flames licking the edge of its carcass as it sits in ruins. The protesters are surrounded by carnage, thick black smoke and fire. The man who faces the camera appears to stick out his tongue as he slings the petrol bomb toward whatever target he has in mind. Who or what they are targeting is not in the camera's frame. 

As the events continue to unfold in the Ukraine, it's important the world does not forget the photojournalist, who makes sacrifices to ensure the truth escapes. The photojournalist is not able to write a story from the other side of the globe about events on the opposite side. They must travel there, stand close to the fire, and expose themselves to whatever forces are on hand. It is the photo not the word that is the best recorder because it's a mirror of not only the time, place, or event, but also, our very souls.

What is photo gazetteer?

The story behind the photograph is just as important as the photograph itself. This is a blog that will look at the stories behind the photographs shaping our world, everything from the small and mundane, to the big and spectacular. Feel free to comment on photos and share your own.

This blog is managed by designer and journalism student John King