Dylan Collins recalls how he was called to report on the Ukrainian crisis on the very day the invasion began. Traveling from Poland, he and his colleagues crossed the border, where they encountered a scene of desperation as families fled the war-torn nation. His firsthand observation of the collapse of the Ukrainian state highlights the urgency of journalism in conveying the truths of conflict to the world.
Journalists like Collins often find themselves in perilous situations where the line between reporting and survival blurs. After becoming a tight-knit unit with his colleagues, each decision to stay or leave carries significant weight. Following the death of a fellow journalist, the dangers faced in such environments became clearer, prompting Collins to confront the harsh realities of wartime journalism.
The physical dangers faced by journalists often come with an emotional price. Collins reflects on the trauma of being wounded and witnessing colleagues harmed or killed in the line of duty. He raises questions about the motivations behind such risks and the psychological impact it has on their lives, ultimately reinforcing the idea that the pursuit of truth in conflict is fraught with personal and ethical dilemmas.
Dylan Collins, a video journalist with AFP, reflects on his harrowing experiences in two significant conflict zones: Ukraine and the southern Lebanese border with Israel. Having worked in the Middle East for 15 years, Collins is no stranger to conflict, yet the events he witnessed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent violence in Lebanon were unprecedented in their intensity and danger. Collins recalls the moment he received a call to cover the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Within hours, he flew from Warsaw to the Ukrainian border, where he witnessed firsthand the chaos of a nation imploding under attacks. He describes the eerie scene of makeshift checkpoints and the desperate efforts of Ukrainians trying to escape, emphasizing the emotional weight of covering such a tragic event. Despite the risks, Collins and his team chose to stay and document the unfolding story, believing that their presence was crucial in conveying the reality faced by the Ukrainian people. Unfortunately, the dangers of the job soon became personal for Collins. After witnessing the death of a colleague and sustaining injuries himself in Lebanon, he contemplates the risks journalists face while covering wars. He describes the psychological toll that such events take, not just on himself but also on his colleagues and loved ones. The emotional burden of risking one’s life for the sake of storytelling often leads to self-doubt for Collins. Yet, he acknowledges an innate desire to bear witness to history, underscoring the importance of journalism in times of crisis.Working in Israel must be hairy the IDF and Israeli government doesn’t like journalists.
