Ukrainian Women Reunite After War: A Love Story of Survival and Perseverance

Polina Muzhychkova and Sofia Malina fell in love at a young age in Mariupol, Ukraine, but their love story was abruptly interrupted by Russia’s invasion of their city. Forced to flee with their families, the two women were separated as the war ravaged their hometown.

Their story, recently shared by the New York Times, highlights their two-year struggle to reunite amidst constant danger.

After fleeing to safety, Malina was detained by Russian soldiers for four days before escaping to Ukrainian-held territory. Muzhychkova and her parents spent months hiding in a basement before fleeing to Crimea, where they eventually reconnected.

Despite being surrounded by pro-Russian sentiment in Crimea, the women lived together and spent a year planning their escape back to Ukraine. They endured significant challenges along the way, including being interrogated and physically abused by Russian police. But their determination and love helped them persevere.

Now living together in Odesa, they plan to move to Germany, continuing their journey towards a future free from the war that tore them apart.