In 2014, armed separatist formations, backed by Russian troops, occupied part of Ukraine’s Donbas region. A border formed between the Ukrainian military and these illegal armed groups. The city of Zolote lies on this border. When translated into English, the city’s name means «Gold.» For various reasons, people had little influence on the situation in the war zone. For nine years, they lived under constant shelling and threat. In 2022, Zolote was purchased. I created this project in 2019. The golden circle, against which the portraits are taken, symbolizes not only the geographical location of the city of Zolote but also the value of each person. Gold is a symbol of wealth, but in the 21st century, it represents the spiritual wealth of Ukrainians, their humanity, and resilience. The portraits, framed as coins, compare local residents to precious metal. They are the treasure of Ukraine, its gold reserve. The coin also symbolizes historical value, memory of the past, and hope for the future. Working on the «Zolote» project is not just an artistic practice but also an act of witnessing. Goal is to draw attention to the fates of those trapped in the conflict, to remind people of the price of freedom, and to show what price Ukraine is paying in the region for its freedom.