A Brave and Happy Couple

Earlier this year, Ukrainian couple Lesia Ivashchenko and Valerii Fylymonov left their jobs due to the Russian invasion. Soon after, they made the choice to stay and join the territorial defense forces on the outskirts of Kyiv. 

• The couple has been together for 22 years, but they never officially tied the knot. Realizing that life is short and their love is strong, the duo decided to get married – right on the front lines.

💒💍 The big day... Their ceremony was humble but full of joy, with fellow soldiers throwing rose petals for the couple as they walked down the makeshift aisle. Even the mayor of Kyiv came to congratulate the newlyweds. 

• "I'm happy that we are alive, that this day started, that my husband is alive, and he is with me," Lesia said after the wedding.