Sidley and Pro-bono Partner RE:ACT Disaster Response Host a Powerful Photography Exhibition of the Russia-Ukraine War

Sidley Austin LLP (“Sidley”) is proud to announce the launch of its photography exhibition in support of RE:ACT, a disaster response charity operating in the UK and internationally. The exhibition will be shown from October 3 to November 4, 2022, and will feature photographs taken by leading photojournalists covering the humanitarian crisis during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The launch event will kick off the month-long exhibition held at Sidley’s London office, featuring work from seven eminent photojournalists, two of whom are based in Ukraine. The powerful exhibition, which includes the now iconic photo from the bombing of the maternity hospital in Mariupol by Evgeniy Maloletka, highlights the catastrophic impact the war has had on countless lives and the environment.

RE:ACT is a British charity that repurposes the hard-earned skills and experience of former military veterans, blue-light, and humanitarian personnel, turning them into agile and resilient humanitarians. In recent months, RE:ACT has worked alongside local charity partners to ensure more than 13,000 food packs – enough to feed a family of four for a week – reach those most in need in the East of Ukraine.

Sidley has worked with RE:ACT on a pro-bono basis since April 2020, providing financial, governance, and volunteer support to aid RE:ACT in assisting those most vulnerable during times of crisis, both at home and overseas. Sidley’s Disputes and Real Estate teams have continually provided pro-bono legal advice at critical junctures throughout this period. Additionally, financial support has been directly provided around key humanitarian disasters, including the recent fall of Kabul to the Taliban.

Thomas Thesing, Managing Partner at Sidley, said: “Images can capture a thousand words and give voices to those who have been silenced throughout the conflict. We are all devastated by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the consequent refugee and geopolitical crisis it has sparked. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and we believe it is vital that members of the community support the innocent and vulnerable individuals impacted by the war.”

“This exhibition showcases some of the most striking images captured throughout the conflict and brings them to a new audience. RE:ACT has been a close partner of Sidley’s and we are delighted to support its humanitarian work. We look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.”

Toby Wicks, RE:ACT’s Chief Executive said the charity’s long-standing partnership with Sidley had been “hugely successful and extremely important.”

“Sidley has provided us with outstanding guidance and support. Our relationship has been hugely successful and continues to be extremely important. We are delighted to be involved and to benefit from this exhibition of stunning and particularly moving images. RE:ACT’s work in Ukraine has brought the crisis there into sharp focus, and these photographs remind us of the extraordinary suffering and resilience of all those directly involved.”