January - The year was born in ice and fire. While athletes and soldiers braved freezing temperatures to train in Europe, in Tokyo a plane burst into flames. In Spain, farmers were protesting, angry at the cost of living. It was, perhaps, an augury of what was to come.
Firefighters and volunteers attempt to extinguish a fire that broke out at a commercial depot, used for oil barrels and flammable drums, near Muthurwa settlement, in Nairobi, Kenya, January 30, 2024. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya
“I tried to listen for the sound of the skis speeding down the inrun and give the camera a good frame burst, hoping not to miss the short moment the jumper is visible. This time it worked almost to perfection; the timing, position and the colour of his ski suit fit perfectly together.” Kai Pfaffenbach Based in Frankfurt, Germany
[He caught it, but you have to go inside to see that one.]
Ukrainian servicemen attend anti-sabotage mock drills at the border with Belarus, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Chernihiv region, Ukraine January 17, 2024. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
February - February was the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two. A Reuters photographer captured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in silhouette in Tirana, while in St Petersburg the only face we see clearly is that of Russian President Vladimir Putin, reflected twice in a woman's glasses as he broadcasts his annual address.
Greek university students clash with riot police amid tear gas,during a demonstration against a planned bill which opens the way for the operation of private universities, in Athens, Greece, February 1, 2024. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki