{
  "id": 6596871,
  "title": "Kyiv couple marries after Russian strike ruins their home",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/kyiv-couple-marries-after-russian-strike-ruins-their-home",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T14:01:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euromaidan Press",
    "slug": "euromaidan-press",
    "url": "https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/09/10/kyiv-couple-marries-after-russian-strike-ruins-their-home/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Russian strike targeted a warehouse close to Liudmyla and Leonid Ryzhak's Kyiv apartment overnight on 8 September, causing a blast wave that devastated their home mere hours before their scheduled wedding, according to the Associated Press. Leonid, 43, a soldier on leave from the frontlines, had traveled back to the city for the big day.\n\nUkrainians continue to tie the knot and rebuild amidst the ongoing conflict, with over 79,000 marriages registered in the first half of 2026, a 16% increase compared to the same period last year. Nearly 40% of these newlyweds tied the knot online, according to Ukraine's Ministry of Justice. In July alone, the UN counted 437 civilian casualties, marking the deadliest month since May 2022.\n\nThe explosion shattered their apartment windows, scattered furniture, and rendered the apartment uninhabitable. The couple and their 6-year-old daughter were forced to flee to a shelter. Liudmyla's two guinea pigs were safe with them, but their cat was missing, unable to be found. A second strike struck their shelter soon after they arrived.\n\nDespite the tragic events, Liudmyla and Leonid found the strength to celebrate their love. They dug their wedding clothes out of the debris. Liudmyla, 33, removed broken glass from her white tulle skirt, which had small holes. Leonid, unable to locate his dress trousers, opted for army trousers paired with his embroidered shirt and sneakers.\n\nAs they stood ready to exchange vows, another air-raid siren blared, prompting them to wait in the courtyard for nearly three hours as explosions shook the surrounding districts. Eventually, the alert subsided, and the couple entered the registry office to solemnize their union.\n\nLiudmyla, reflecting on the surreal experience, remarked, \"If God gave me a continuation of life, then why should I put it off?\" She added, \"At least for now, I have the right to be happy.\" Their love story stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring power of love amidst the chaos of war.",
  "summary": "Liudmyla and Leonid Ryzhak married in Kyiv on 8 September, hours after a Russian strike hit a warehouse across the street and a blast wave left their apartment uninhabitable. Screenshot from AP video",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Voice of Ukraine",
        "title": "Russian strike damages Suspilne news bureau in Kryvyi Rih – photo",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/russian-strike-damages-suspilne-news-bureau-in-kryvyi-rih-photo",
        "published": "2026-09-10T09:29:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Russian forces hit Kyiv petrol station, injuring four",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/russian-forces-hit-kyiv-petrol-station-injuring-four",
        "published": "2026-09-10T09:42:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Interfax-Ukraine",
        "title": "Russian forces strike Pavlohrad, leaving wounded - official",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/russian-forces-strike-pavlohrad-leaving-wounded-official",
        "published": "2026-09-10T14:03:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}