Ukrainian soldiers get married in military uniform on the frontline

Couple were serenaded by fellow soldiers as they tied the knot

Olivia Petter
Monday 07 March 2022 14:26 GMT
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Vitali Klitschko meets soldier during wedding at Ukraine checkpoint

A Ukrainian couple has tied the knot on the frontlines in Kyiv, donning military uniforms as they said “I do” in front of their fellow soldiers.

On Sunday, Lesya and Valeriy were seen celebrating their nuptials near the Kyiv checkpoint, with Lesya holding a bouquet of flowers as both of them drank from champagne flutes.

As the wedding took place, the couple were serenaded by their fellow fighters, with one pictured singing and playing a string instrument.

The couple were filmed laughing and smiling as someone replaced the bride’s helmet with a white veil.

One of the soldiers appeared to be wearing an Orthodox Christian cross while he read from a booklet as the newlyweds knelt down in front of him.

Footage from the occasion was first shared on social media by Paul Ronzheimer, a reporter for German news outlet BILD-Zeitung.

The minute-long clip has since been viewed more than 1.7 million times, garnering more than 55,000 likes and thousands of comments congratulating the couple.

“So inspirational. So moving. Please let them survive and triumph over pure evil,” wrote one person.

“I hope they will live to celebrate many happy anniversaries. Watching this gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes,” another added.

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko came across the wedding when he visited a battalion of the Ukraine Territorial Defense Force on the same day.

Sharing a video of the ceremony on social media, the former boxer turned politician said that he will “protect the life of Kyiv, Kyivites and our state”.

“They have been living in a civil marriage for a long time, and now they have decided to get married,” Mr Klitschko added.

“The ceremony took place next to one of the checkpoints. Life goes on!”

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