Ukrainians criticize Vogue Ukraine magazine for cover featuring smiling model in military role

The renowned magazine Vogue Ukraine has faced criticism over its new cover titled “Ukraine Today,” featuring model Karina Mazyar in a military role, with cadets from the Ivan Bohun Kyiv Military Lyceum in the background.

Commentators under the publication were divided into two camps. Some praised Vogue’s idea, while others harshly criticized it.

“I can understand and comprehend everything. But… turning the image of a female soldier into a happy smiling ‘luxury woman’… At a time when we are fighting against numerous stereotypes about women. It’s not about needing dirt, blood, and a sad look. But couldn’t they have made a solemn ‘luxury’ photo of a woman with a strong gaze?” wrote one user.

“I don’t understand this cover. Why the smiles, are we having so much fun? Why is a civilian playing a military role? Don’t we have enough beautiful real female soldiers?” commented another woman.

“Seriously? Maybe let’s not glamorize war?” another review stated.

“This is very. Very. Very bad. It’s wrong to take a model, dress her in military uniform, and place her within the walls of a military lyceum. With cadets in the background. I was shocked when I read that she doesn’t study here. What are you trying to say? Where is the authenticity in all of this? Why are the cadets in the background, not in the foreground? Who among them is truly leading today? Who will really go to the front lines? A model with a joyful smile? You’ve mixed everything up – truth and pretense. You’re blurring the real reality that we have today. I don’t believe that it was impossible to find a real female soldier for this photoshoot. I’m sure the expression on her face and the mood would have been different. I’m against such distortion of our reality and broadcasting it to the world. If you’re afraid to show the reality of war – don’t touch this topic at all. And don’t dare to dress anyone else in military uniforms, cadets, etc., for kitsch,” one comment read.

“With this cover, everything is wrong, from the civilian model to the cheerful ‘vibe’ reminiscent of 90s teen magazines, in a country and time where these children could end up in the war grinder tomorrow. The ‘creators’ needed to stop and think about what they were doing,” wrote another comment under the cover photo.