Two years ago on Valentine’s Day, Olha Chesnokova mustered the courage to reveal her feelings to Yevhen Volosyan, declaring her love for him. The couple had met just a month earlier on the popular dating app Tinder, where they quickly discovered a shared passion for music that brought them closer together. Olha, a dedicated 46-year-old psychotherapist with a deep understanding of emotions, had carefully considered when to share her feelings, hoping to find just the right moment — though she felt compelled to express herself before separating from him.
Two months later, Mr. Volosyan, now 37, left to serve his country at the front lines. He took on the challenging roles of a radio operator and sapper before becoming a drone pilot, expertly maneuvering suicide quadcopters from afar to strike Russian forces. His service meant long days spent in difficult and dangerous conditions, but their bond remained strong.
Amid his duties, the couple decided to solidify their commitment through marriage, with Yevhen managing a brief return to Kyiv where they exchanged vows in a small, intimate ceremony. Despite the distance, they maintained their connection, exchanging heartfelt messages throughout the day. At night, he would video call her, taking solace in their conversations as the night cloaked the battlefield, bringing a momentary reprieve from the chaos and allowing him to focus on the love that awaited him back home.