Ukrainian Civilian Soldiers Marry On The Frontline In Military Uniforms [Photos]

The frontline in Kyiv teemed with love as a pair of Ukrainian civilian soldiers tied the knot wearing their military uniforms.

Lesya Ivashchenko and Valeriy Filimonov, who have been together for 22 years, got married Sunday as heavily armed soldiers and journalists in bulletproof vests surrounded them to celebrate their special day. The two fighters were pronounced husband and wife by the military chaplain at a check post amid the ravaging Russian invasion, the New York Post reported.

The pair had not seen each other since the beginning of the Russian invasion until Sunday. Their first attempt at having their wedding ceremony that day was stalled due to bomb attacks. They were able to exchange wedding vows, dressed in military fatigues, about an hour later. The bride wore a veil with her uniform while the groom was seen wearing a military helmet.

Cake, champagne and flowers added to the celebration, during which soldiers surrounded the newlyweds and serenaded them, according to BILD.de.

Lesya said she's happy but her "heart is crying," as per the outlet.

The bride quit her job during the onset of the Russian invasion then joined Territorial Defense Forces last month. She began defending her district on the outskirts of Kyiv and had to stay apart from Valeriy, who also joined the fight.

"It is very sad that this (the Russian invasion) happened to us, that our family cannot be together," she said, according to ABC News. "I'm happy that we are alive, that this day started, that my husband is alive, and he is with me.

The bride said they decided to get married because of the uncertainties they are currently faced with.

"We decided who knows what will happen tomorrow. We should get married in front of the state, in front of God," she continued. "And we have an adult daughter, and I think she's happy that we finally did it."

Lesya didn't expect to be surprised by their fellow soldiers with a heartwarming ceremony, during which Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko and his brother, boxer Wladimir, also arrived to congratulate them.

"I expected to have a very modest ceremony. I thought we'll just say 'yes' to each other," the bride said further. "It was a surprise from my brothers in arms and our commanders that they decided to set it (the marriage ceremony) up to show that, despite everything, we believe in the future and life is going on."

With no end to the war currently in sight, Lesya reportedly added, "We are determined to push back the enemy and take back our lands and win."