Lost and Found

Bordered by Moldova and Ukraine, Transnistria is a frozen-in-time region grappling with growing isolation. As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, its youth face an uncertain future in a land that is politically unrecognized and economically dependent on Russia. Soviet nostalgia lingers, but daily life is increasingly difficult.

An energy crisis, caused by a halt in Russian gas transit, has left homes cold and pushed illegal logging as people seek firewood. In rural areas, crumbling infrastructure adds to the hardship.

Many young people hope to leave, but options are limited. They grow up navigating identity, propaganda, and the constant threat of conflict. Stuck between a fading past and an unclear future, they search for a way forward.

Leon Basov, 29, showers with water from a half-cut plastic bottle on Feb 17, 2025. In early 2025, a halt in Russian gas transit via Ukraine led to a severe energy crisis in Transnistria, cutting off heating and hot water. While Moldova stepped in wit

Leon Basov, 29, showers with water from a half-cut plastic bottle on Feb 17, 2025. In early 2025, a halt in Russian gas transit via Ukraine led to a severe energy crisis in Transnistria, cutting off heating and hot water. While Moldova stepped in with temporary gas supplies, the long-term solution for stable and affordable energy access remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions

A group of young people talk in front of the House of Culture in Chitcani, a small village in Transnistria, on February 18, 2025. Like many such buildings in the region, this one features a statue of Vladimir Lenin—a common sight in Transnistria, whe

A group of young people talk in front of the House of Culture in Chitcani, a small village in Transnistria, on February 18, 2025. Like many such buildings in the region, this one features a statue of Vladimir Lenin—a common sight in Transnistria, where Houses of Culture served as hubs of Soviet ideology and culture. The statues reflect the region’s enduring ties to its Soviet past and its political alignment with Russia.

Viktor Yukhymenko, 18, artist and transgender man, poses for a portrait on February 20, 2025. He dreams of leaving Transnistria to study in Scandinavia, a region he sees as more accepting. Transnistria remains highly conservative, with LGBTQ+ individ

Viktor Yukhymenko, 18, artist and transgender man, poses for a portrait on February 20, 2025. He dreams of leaving Transnistria to study in Scandinavia, a region he sees as more accepting. Transnistria remains highly conservative, with LGBTQ+ individuals facing violence and little protection from authorities. Incidents of beatings or even killings are rarely reported in the media. Even Tiraspol’s former gay bar, a rare safe space, was shut down under unclear circumstances.

A 'Back to Soviet Union' sign is displayed in the window of a theme cafe in Tiraspol on February 16, 2025. The sign reflects the region’s continued embrace of Soviet-era imagery.

A 'Back to Soviet Union' sign is displayed in the window of a theme cafe in Tiraspol on February 16, 2025. The sign reflects the region’s continued embrace of Soviet-era imagery.

Empty railways near Tiraspol’s main train station on February 20, 2025. Trains once ran frequently from Tiraspol to Odessa, Ukraine, but services were halted due to the Russia-Ukraine war that began in 2022.

Empty railways near Tiraspol’s main train station on February 20, 2025. Trains once ran frequently from Tiraspol to Odessa, Ukraine, but services were halted due to the Russia-Ukraine war that began in 2022.

A young man eats at “USSR Stolovaya,” a Soviet-style canteen in Tiraspol, on February 21, 2025. The canteen features decorations and elements from the Soviet era, including newspapers on the walls.

A young man eats at “USSR Stolovaya,” a Soviet-style canteen in Tiraspol, on February 21, 2025. The canteen features decorations and elements from the Soviet era, including newspapers on the walls.

Leon Basov, 29, and his girlfriend Alisa Evtodyeva, 20, pose for a portrait at their home in Tiraspol, Transnistria, on February 21, 2025. The couple has been together for about a month and a half. Leon works at a friend’s company in the gas sector,

Leon Basov, 29, and his girlfriend Alisa Evtodyeva, 20, pose for a portrait at their home in Tiraspol, Transnistria, on February 21, 2025. The couple has been together for about a month and a half. Leon works at a friend’s company in the gas sector, while Alisa is a children’s roller skating coach. Alisa dreams of moving to Russia, but Leon prefers to stay in Moldova.

The flags of Transnistria and Grigoriopol in front of the hall of Grigoriopol. February 21, 2025. Flags are regularly displayed in official settings across Transnistria, a self-declared republic with close ties to Russia.

The flags of Transnistria and Grigoriopol in front of the hall of Grigoriopol. February 21, 2025. Flags are regularly displayed in official settings across Transnistria, a self-declared republic with close ties to Russia.

Cottage-style houses in the Tiraspol area on February 18, 2025. These homes often serve as preservation spaces, gathering spots for friends to share a drink, or even coops for keeping chickens together.

Cottage-style houses in the Tiraspol area on February 18, 2025. These homes often serve as preservation spaces, gathering spots for friends to share a drink, or even coops for keeping chickens together.

Maxim (left), Vasily (middle), and Maxim (right), all 16, ride a marshrutka (minibus) to the village of Chitcani on February 18, 2025. The three are first-year college students in Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria.

Maxim (left), Vasily (middle), and Maxim (right), all 16, ride a marshrutka (minibus) to the village of Chitcani on February 18, 2025. The three are first-year college students in Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria.

Zifan Zhang

Zifan Zhang (born in 1996) is a Chinese documentarist, focusing mainly on the social and cultural impact of societal changes in contemporary China and the post-Soviet space through long-term projects. After he earned a master’s degree in international relations, he gradually delved into documentary photography.