Two members of Ukraine's civil defense unit 'get married next to the frontline in Kyiv'

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By stefan armitage

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Footage has emerged online appearing to show a Ukrainian couple getting married while dressed in military uniform near the frontlines of Kyiv.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the videos were originally shared to Twitter by Paul Ronzheimer - the deputy editor-in-chief for the Germain tabloid, Bild. Ronzheimer is currently in the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv, reporting on the nation's ongoing conflict with Russian forces.

However, amid the chaos and destruction came a moment of smiles and joy, as a Ukrainian couple reportedly tied the knot while surrounded and serenaded by their comrades.

Check out the touching moment in the tweet below:

"This couple, Lesya and Valeriy, just got married next to the frontline in Kyiv. They are with the territorial defense," Ronzheimer wrote alongside the video.

In the clip, which has been viewed over 420,000 times on Twitter, Lesya and Valeriy can be seen being serenaded with a chorus by their comrades, as the bride holds a bouquet of flowers and wears a veil, and the groom holds what appears to be a champagne flute.

One of the group can be seen playing a bandura, which the Daily Mail describes as a Ukrainian folk musical instrument similar to a lute.

One of the men in the video also appears to be wearing an Orthodox Christian cross around his neck, which is a common sight during weddings in the country, as a large majority of Ukraine's population follows the religion.

In a separate tweet, Ronzheimer explained that the couple did not want to cancel their wedding date, and shared an image of them during the ceremony.

He wrote alongside the image: "A wedding in the middle of the war. Lesya and Valeriy did not want to cancel their planned wedding. They have just exchanged vows near a Ukrainian position."

In a follow-up tweet, Ronzheimer reveals that both Lesya and Valeriy are members of the civil defense unit and share a daughter. He also included a video of them singing Ukraine's national anthem:

"Ukrainian national anthem after the ceremony. Lesya and Valeriy are both in the civil defense unit. What is particularly sad for her is that her daughter cannot be with them that day."

Over on Twitter, the response to the video has been overwhelmingly positive, with many social media users congratulating Lesya and Valeriy, as well as wishing them the best for the future.

"God bless them and keep them safe and give them many happy years of laughter, joy, and freedom," wrote one Twitter user.

A second added: "I have tears in my eyes. Beautiful. I wish the newlyweds a long and happy life in a free Ukraine."

On Saturday, CNN reported that US President Joe Biden had spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone in order to highlight "the ongoing actions undertaken by the United States, its Allies and partners, and private industry to raise the costs on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine."

A statement from the White House read: "In particular, [Zelensky] welcomed the decision this evening by Visa and Mastercard to suspend service in Russia."

Additionally, the statement explained: "President Biden noted his administration is surging security, humanitarian, and economic assistance to Ukraine and is working closely with Congress to secure additional funding."

If you would like to know how you can support the Ukrainian people at this time, click HERE to find a list of organizations and groups dedicated to helping those affected by this crisis.

Featured image credit: ITAR-TASS News Agency / Alamy