20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Maria and Petro

Maria and Petro bask in the sun on Moss Beach. While they’re not here by choice, Maria and Petro are grateful for the refuge that Yegor’s family has provided for them in California. “[When the war started] it was scary because we were never sure of what would happen next. Russia could take Ukraine off the face of the planet.” Maria said. “Now it’s not as scary because we know what will happen.”

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Moss Beach, California, United States of America
Copyright: © Julia Nikhinson