Ukrainian reservists marry at Kyiv checkpoint as Russian army closes in

Ukrainian reservists marry at Kyiv checkpoint as Russian army closes in
For a Kyiv couple of Lesia Ivashchenko and Valerii Filimonov, who have been together for twenty years and raised an 18-year-old daughter, an official marriage was never of any significance.
But when the war knocked on their door, the two said they reconsidered their attitude towards marriage and decided to tie the knot.
Donning military uniforms instead of a wedding dress and tuxedo, Lesia and Valerii, both members of Ukraine's territorial defence unit, exchanged their rings in front of fellow fighters and military chaplain.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko also attended the wedding and presented the newly wed couple with a bunch of flowers.
The civilian death toll from hostilities across Ukraine since Moscow launched its invasion on Feb. 24 stood at 364, including more than 20 children, according to the United Nations on Sunday, with hundreds more injured.
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[@grim7g989]

This union of these Patriotic Warriors shows the world the true spirit of the Ukrainian People. Under such pressure and unknown futures they have amazing spirit & hope. May God Bless them in their matrimony & on the battlefield!

[@AwRighttttt]

What pressure are they under? We under more pressure dealing with you robots than they are

[@alexanderl9985]

@@AwRighttttt bot

[@AwRighttttt]

@@alexanderl9985 Yeah you are

[@ukn4187]

@@AwRighttttt putins robot, obviously,

[@josephk4310]

Lord Jesus have mercy upon them, bless their marriage with good fruit. Let them I pray survive the war and prosper 🙏 and enjoy each other, Kyrie Iesu Xriste eleison imas kai Olos O Kosmos Amin.

[@TuanTungTranDuc]

Congratulations! May God bless and protect you two!

[@h-h1859]

By the evening she will be someone else's🤣

[@capricorn839]

@@h-h1859 This is not the time for sick jokes. You should bless the lovely couple and wish them a happy marriage under such circumstances

[@kabalokolebeatrice6309]

@@h-h1859 😂😂😂😂

[@TheWESTSIDE1967]

Beautiful,i never knew much about Ukraine & it's people but i think the whole world knows of them now, there bravery & passion for there country is truly unbelievable, Slava Ukraine 🇬🇧🇺🇦

[@user-vk1iv3bu2o]

Слава РОССИИ

[@mortanos8938]

I love this. This is so beautiful. I pray that nothing will happen to these people, to any of them. One thing is certain, this will become iconic in the future, believe it. It says so much about the amazing Ukrainian character. I love you people, Greetings from Germany, Slava Ukraine !

[@igrusuhta]

if they go over to the side of Russia, then nothing will happen to them

[@ukn4187]

What a much needed breath of fresh air, congratulations to you both, 🇺🇦🥰🇺🇦

[@ukn4187]

@Анастасия Борисова bully 4 you, a bit like me, russian speaking that is, besides this is a beautiful post, no need for idiotic comments,

[@silva-music]

@Анастасия Борисова You are Really Brainwashed? How it feels like ? Let me guess... it starts with Russian TV News ?

[@AwRighttttt]

That's not the needed breath of fresh air we asked for or needed.

[@ukn4187]

@@AwRighttttt yeh, you are definitely not, I know your a pain in the backside, go and bug putin, sure he'll have you,

[@AwRighttttt]

@@ukn4187 I'm just saying the truth.. You are off your head we don't care about this stuff never did

[@machadojoel10]

Although the difficult times it was very nice! I wish good health to everyone defending Ukraine 🙂

[@brucekilby9957]

Best wishes to the Couple. Orthodox Weddings are Great and can be anywhere. Good Luck to those tough people fighting a dumb giant.🇺🇦❤🥊

[@geminiwaywardbound1229]

Congratulations 🎉💙💛🥂 May they live a Long & Healthy Happy Life Together, 🇺🇦🌻💙💛✊ Go Get Them Soldiers, TAKE CARE ❤️🙏🏽

[@reinerhass_ttv5186]

Congratulations! God bless your matrimony!! God bless your combat against the invaders!!! Best regards & love from germany ♥

[@generalleand903]

Happy Marriage to those! 🎉🎉🎉💐💐🤍✝️🎺 I hope and pray may you and whole country be blessing and find a peace as soon as possible. Slava Ukraine 🙏🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩

[@AwRighttttt]

F of

[@johnhariis250]

@@AwRighttttt what age are you? 10? 🤔

[@pe8352]

general leand: SLAVA UKRAINE!

[@gigiskitties499]

Such a beautiful wedding, even in a war zone. Just amazing💕

[@AwRighttttt]

You are pure bonkers

[@johnhariis250]

@@AwRighttttt and you're about 10 years old, so F Off!

[@h-h1859]

By the evening she will be someone else's😁

[@flaviamartins6093]

Espero que esse casal esteja vivo que Deus tenha iluminando eles 🙏 Flauvia cidade Santo Antônio de Pádua

[@craigbabij6795]

CONGRATULATIONS🍻 from Canada, Live long and Prosperous🍻🎉🎉 and....LONG LIVE UKRAINE....

[@CrazyWizardPyro]

Amazing moment ! Slava Ukraine and greatings to to them from Poland

[@chrlkm3669]

Congratulations! May you celebrate your 50th anniversary surrounded by your children and grandchildren in a free and democratic Ukraine! God bless you, God bless your country!

[@AwRighttttt]

So you mean as a slave then?

[@oanas7681]

AMEN ❤️🙏🏼

[@h-h1859]

by the evening she will be someone elses's

[@matthewspry4217]

Democratic um what are you smoking?

[@andrejpejcic2070]

Oh dear, another democracy delusionist.

[@nkirk8740]

God bless the bride and groom. Slava Ukraini!!!! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🙏💪👍👍👍👍👊✌️🇬🇧.

[@smcptrsa]

Beautiful people, may God grant Ukraine victory 🇺🇦❤️🤲🙏🌷

[@Chilly_Billy]

A moment of sanity and good in an insane and awful situation. Slava Ukraini!

[@coolferds06]

This is the first time I watched a wedding ceremony with such a lot of weapons around the place. I am so amazed how the Ukrainian people are so brave and patriotic.

[@AwRighttttt]

Lmao I'm not amazed about you.

[@homuchoghoma6789]

психологи из пентагона знают что ты еще не видел и чем тебя можно впечатлить.

[@carlosg9359]

Dios Bendiga ese matrimonio y a Ucrania!

[@danielwhyatt3278]

I know right. This has to be the most unusual and unequally wonderful wedding I've even seen. Wishing all of them the best of luck and happiness.

[@h-h1859]

By the evening she will be someone else's

[@TwistaLocc5633]

Congratulations!!! 🍾🎉🎊 Prayers and peace to Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@darrelltinsley]

This is awesome may God bless you two with many years of happiness. Godspeed Congratulations sir congratulations my darling

[@sunyue5076]

The most beautiful thing ive seen in all this. Love in the time of war. Hope. Pray. Believe 🙏 Slava Ukraini 💙💛

[@smithwesson7765]

God protect you both and may you have many years of happiness. Love from Canada.

[@peggy6136]

Love from USA 🇺🇸❤️🇺🇦

[@AwRighttttt]

@@peggy6136 Cringe from USA

[@h-h1859]

By the evening she will be someone else's

[@hkwojyge4203]

Congraluation to a happy married couples and soldier god bless both of you .

[@fernandoalencaster6436]

God bless and protect Ukraine!!! My prayers for Ukraine!!!

[@kellymorrisset57]

This brought tears to my eyes such happiness at a very dark time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!!

[@JoachimGames]

much love for you, Slava Ukraini

[@JuanMendoza-qd5lm]

Glad to see the Ukrainians still remember what men, women and marriage is! God bless them.

[@homuchoghoma6789]

Вобще то Украина наоборот стремиться присоединиться к европейским ценностям, гей парадам, гендерному равенству и прочим европейским прелестям и в этом отчасти и есть конфликт с русскими которые не приемлют однополые браки.

[@bro.melchannel4815]

because they are not a gay european nation. hope Ukrain will remain in eastern values.

[@homuchoghoma6789]

@@bro.melchannel4815 Их лозунг - Украина превыше всего ! Лозунг нацистов - Германия превыше всего!

[@ezequielsilva2709]

Que lindo, o casamento dos sonhos de qualquer um 💙💛

[@andyjp390]

muito bonito, devido as condições ....a noiva estava linda(mesmo de uniforme), alegre , feliz todo o tempo.....o noivo tava sério.....mas quando começaram as frases gritos de guerra em favor da Ucrânia.....uma felicidade.... do noivo. verdadeiro soldado....

[@nenadcelik8549]

With a lot of cameras 🤣

[@yennreville5675]

💐congratulations ❤❤❤best wishes to you both. God bless you and Ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🙏🙏🙏

[@MrAntonis1234]

My best wishes to this couple. Slava Ukrainia, from Greece!

[@tekken278]

I didn't know much about Ukraine before this war..I now know they are the most amazing resilient people on our planet!glory to Ukraine from Ireland! 🇮🇪❣🇺🇦

[@homuchoghoma6789]

вот потому что ты не знал, поэтому тебя и обманывают.

[@homuchoghoma6789]

ты знаешь что они кричат лозунги которые использовали нацисты в фашистской Германии ?

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Not your typical wedding but one they’ll remember nonetheless! Bless them all and keep them safe ♥️

[@sainutheeparammal4197]

Ukraine People. Is very Beautifull. Super Sainu from India Welcome to india

[@deteke001]

Wow! This' so humbling experience,it shows resilience, love and patriotism. No weapon formed against them and all Ukrainians shall prosper. VIVA UKRAINIANS. Prayers from Africa, Kenya

[@joshuaiqbal8284]

May God bless Ukraine congratulations from Pakistan pastor Intzar Masih Joshua Pakistan Islamabad praying for Ukraine love from my Church

[@IIII2IIII]

How beautiful is this?! From Vancouver, Canada, I wish you blessings, health, safety and happiness!

[@sujoydutta920]

Wow such a beautiful ceremony, congrats to the groom and bride...This is the first time I have seen Guns n Roses literally

[@dominicpapalid6938]

Congratulations to both of you...i pray that our GOD spare you in this deadliest war...not only the both of you but to the whole UKRAINE Nation...In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN and AMEN 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@maximusstarblazer]

That is so awesome. Good for them and best wishes for Ukraine. 🇺🇦

[@Komunista5]

Wszystkiego dobrego życzą wam Polaki z USA SŁAVA UKRAINA🙏💕🇵🇱

[@TS-bn7zt]

🇺🇦❤️

[@RossiRossida]

IM CRYING GOD PLEASE HELP THIS PEPEOP OF UKRAIN GIVE THEM STRENGT

[@kebuakiokwa1509]

congratulation to you both. God Bless and PROTECT UKRAINE and UKRAINIAN People. PEACE

[@67smilerify]

Brilliant , absolutely love this defiance . Long live this couple and long live UKRAINE

[@sjsrana]

Congratulations; this is representing love peace and happiness during all times; motivation for all Ukranian troops - sjsrana

[@guyanaalltheway6771]

Hail Ukraine, one of the best country in the world, wishing you guys victory in this battle, love and support from Guyana.

[@hassankisitu4603]

Happy marriage

[@colettekeenan3036]

CONGRATULATIONS 2 BOTH OF U , THE BRIDE IS BEAUTIFUL, I WISH U BOTH AII THE LOVE &HAPPINESS IN THE WORLD U BOTH DESERVE IT, WISHING U BOTH A LONG & HAPPY LIFE 💝🤵👰💑😻

[@maricidevamega939]

In this dire period of time, I've only seen these brave Ukrainians keep their life going on, no matter whatever would come to them. I pray for this invasion to be finished soon. Victory to Ukraine!

[@yohancereece2509]

My brothers and sisters in arms you are husband and wife congratulations long live freedom for Ukraine and the World.

[@ziaseyedi8686]

Congratulations 🎉 to the Ukraine 🇺🇦 Hero Soldiers👏🏻 Zia from Australia

[@vianiexplore123]

I can see how brave, patriotic and happy Ukranians are. Young and old, they are quiet calm people. Love you all from India for being inspiration around the world

[@ellaeadig263]

Aww! Congratulations to these two. I truly pray they both survive and have an amazing home video to show their grandkids.

[@KptLehmann100]

Greetings from Texas. May God grant the newlyweds peace in the future, together.... and may God bless Ukraine. 🇺🇦

[@theduke6951]

Amazing union in the midst of chaos. Best wishes to both!

[@chris-vn6sw]

Congratulations from the UK 🇬🇧 💙💛

[@darcyooh5543]

This moment carries a very important message that no matter what anything can happen and that your spirit is the most powerful thing in any nation like Ukraine fighting for their freedoms, fighting could be their final days on earth, fighting is so Patriotic. This is so inspiring these moments in time are precious, this shows a Heart of a warrior and we should all look up to these people because their freewill and strengths is what the human spirit is about!

[@jlmhamedia]

what a happy marriage for the couples when they are in a difficult situation in the country. May god bless their souls.

[@AwRighttttt]

What difficult situation? They more likely part of the problem

[@jackjackyphantom8854]

@@AwRighttttt What do u mean?

[@mirrblbaerk5825]

This is beautiful i hope this 2 leaders make peace with each other because life is very very precious.

[@AwRighttttt]

How many babies you abort this year? How many men commiting Sucide in which you never cared about but yet here you are saying 'life is precious' how many?

[@fulker0023]

@@AwRighttttt cringe lord

[@aditris4712]

@@AwRighttttt how many?

[@katec4447]

@ahh sure good luck talk to Yeh lad you're same psycho as rasPutin hate just oozes out of you 😳

[@andrejpejcic2070]

Leaders?More like misleaders.

[@MrKaido93]

This is awesome congratulations, Long Healthy Life to the Ukrainian Defender Bride and Groom! May The Almighty God Bless them and their families with Health Protection and Long Life in a Free and Independent Ukraine, Amen.

[@jounia9232]

Lovely couple and very amazing brave spirit. May God protect you both on the battle field to enjoy your Marriage

[@sagarikadiaz5043]

AMAZING..... GOOD LUCK AND LOVE YOU GUYS... GOD BLESS EVERY ONE OF YOU..

[@hippyjesus01]

I wish you all the best much love from Australia stay strong Ukraine

[@theresadmello4779]

Ukrainians truly blessed by God. Heartiest Congratulations!!! To you. God bless your marriage and make you fruitful. Long live your Marriage and your togetherness. Glory to God! Glory to Ukraine. And the brave hearted President, soldiers and the citizens. Love you all. Stay blessed always. 🙏🙏✝️✝️👏👏♥️♥️😘😘♥️♥️🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@wvt5825]

This shows how human Ukrainians are, especially during these dark days. Life goes on

[@calvinynwa6687]

Congratulations 👏 stay strong 💪 💙 💛

[@JohnJohnson-ze1gg]

Beautiful. The ceremony, their spirit and attitudes. Their defiant spirit as a whole. I agree with their Mayor Vladimir Klitschko Ukraine is making me proud as an American and a human being. God bless them all

[@twa3954]

Much Congratulation🎊👏 peace and love to the Ukrainian people

[@WolfTrap1000]

God bless them, i hope they stay safe

[@bonjourtoi3894]

Félicitation ! Tout ceci vous portera chance pour le futur. Un sale temps mais une vie toute en couleur vous attends. xxxxxxxxxxxxx Paix et santé à tous. xxxxxxxxxxx

[@alexandra9298]

Congratulations! I wish you the best and a peacefull life.🤍❤ I wish peace come back to ukraine. These people really deserve to have a peaceful, happy life in their own country.💛💙🇺🇦

[@heyman5911]

Congratulations 🎉 the Lord bless your country and protect your people. Long live Ukraine 🇺🇦 It’s hard to accept many dies because of this senseless war cause of madness and wrong decisions of the president of Russia. Let’s humble ourselves before the Almighty God & seek his help. God bless Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@omarwright7238]

Married in war! Love it! May you all live to tell this story God bless you all!

[@TecOneself]

Congratulations, some love and glory is an immortal call, thank you for this part. I feel like an idiot not going to fight and just watching, our prayers are with you.

[@johnnguyen2376]

Beautiful brave couple .May God Bless Ukraine and people of this Great Nation .

[@markeast4647]

We must support the Ukrainian people. Their fight is our fight !

[@phillipgibbon5980]

If you support Ukraine people you support Russia 😂 since they support east Ukraine

[@ahmedalsharman]

You can go there your self and fight . They accept mercenaries and volunteers..

[@AwRighttttt]

No it isn't.

[@homuchoghoma6789]

ты поддерживаешь нацизм?

[@aditris4712]

@@homuchoghoma6789 i dont support genocide.

[@user-tv4uk6dj7j]

I wish happiness 😊😇 to Ukrainian people 🙏🙏🙏💗❤️🇦🇿🙏🇺🇦

[@sunmoon9223]

Congrats 🎉👏🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉👏👏👏👏👏. May both of you and everyone in Ukraine be healthy, safe and may victory be yours against invaders!

[@lindabati5625]

A wedding of the century! 😃💖

[@alinapastor6674]

Congratulation 🎂🥂🍾 Slava Ukraine 💙💛 PEACE🕊 🙏

[@honeykookie1561]

Congratulations. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦 Glory to God 🙏

[@robertoortiz7838]

Beautiful moment. Glory to Ukraine.

[@claudiupop2004]

👎🦴👎

[@TV-qi6xe]

눈물 나게 아름다운 모습입니다. 두분 모두 건강하시고, 하루 빨리 우크라이나에 평화가 오길 기원합니다. Slava Ukraine!!!

[@laagansiheartevol6170]

Im happy for both of you congratulations god will blessed you both and all the people in your place.

[@ivanag683]

Love is when someone is next to you with desire, truth, heart and because this love, they win good and drive away the dark forces. Congratulations to the newlyweds! GLORY OF UKRAINE💙💛💕💓

[@stevenbunnett9567]

Congratulations to you beautiful patriotic people ❤️ 🇺🇦

[@rajkharel6421]

Congratulation you both, we have friendly relationship between nepal🇳🇵❤️🇺🇦

[@muluyeabyo8767]

Happy wedding hero's. Ukraine God bless given peace ✌️ ✌️ from Eritrea

[@itokaliitokali4312]

I love Ukrainians 👍 God bless your Country 🙏🙏🙏 I'm support your country I had Russian 👎👎👎

[@susiekopp3578]

Yes, life goes on. Best wishes and congratulations 🥳

[@jaylm4112]

Amazing and I love it... Great ppl and don't deserve this never deserved this not in 2014 or the last 8 years not in 2022... 🇺🇲❤️🇺🇦🇪🇺

[@user-kr4tl4hy2b]

GOD BLESS YOU, BRAVE COUPLE!!! MAY YOU HAVE MANY CHILDREN WHO WILL ENJOY A WONDERFUL LIFE IN A FREE AND PEACEFUL UKRAINE!!! LOVE FROM GREECE!!!

[@rajking647]

Life must go on, this is the best example, god bless couple, 3 cheers to Ukrain 👍

[@arfashahnaaz3807]

God bless you Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@user-kv7no4vu3g]

The reality is sad, but congratulations on your marriage. I hope that peace will come soon and that I will be able to travel to Korea together in the future. We wish Ukraine freedom and glory.

[@TicketToLiterature]

This literally gave me Titanic vibe. I remember that scene when ship was drowning and musicians out there were still playing the music knowing the fact that they wouldn't survive. God bless Ukraine....I pray for your people 💖

[@bostonblackie9503]

May God Bless them and give them a happy married life!

[@thomasnixon1270]

Congratulations to the happy couple. Long live Ukraine.

[@bxl-yc9jo]

felicitaciones au marié vive l'Ukraine

[@BLOODnVALOR]

From Mississippi, USA! Slava Ukraine! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@pe8352]

congratulation!! GLORY TO UKRAINE

[@elizabethmccaffrey4805]

Congratulations God bless you with a very happy long life!

[@tuanatnguyen9653]

Wish you happiness! Fight bravely, protect your life and your people.♥️♥️♥️

[@Zlatni2024]

Nek vam je sa srecom bravo Ukrainci bravo Kličko legendo.

[@user-ve1zf6fh4d]

Great to see these wonderful people getting on with there lives despite the war, and loss of life on both sides.Slava ukraine 🇺🇦

[@clanmclaren1244]

God bless them