Andrii and Valeria’s dream of building a life together was shattered by the Russian invasion. Their story is one of love and loss, set against the backdrop of a devastated Mariupol.

A Blossoming Romance in a Bunker

In the spring of 2022, as Russian troops surrounded Mariupol, 33-year-old Valeria Subotina sought refuge in the Azovstal steelworks. She worked as a press officer for the Azov Brigade, relaying the horrors of the invasion to the world. Her fiancé, Andrii Subotin, was a Ukrainian army officer fighting to protect the plant.

Love at First Sight

Valeria and Andrii met three years before the war at the Mariupol Border Guard Agency. Andrii fell in love with Valeria at first sight. They built a life together in Mariupol, sharing a small house with a garden and enjoying their time with friends and nature.

Marriage in a War Bunker

On May 5, Andrii and Valeria were married in a bunker under the Azovstal plant. Two days later, Andrii was killed by a Russian bomb. Valeria, now a widow, continued to defend Mariupol alongside her comrades.

Captivity and Release

Valeria was among 900 prisoners of war taken by Russian forces. After 11 months in captivity, she was released in a prisoner exchange and returned to Ukraine.

Mariupol’s Devastation

Local authorities estimate over 20,000 people died in Mariupol due to the bombardment. Valeria believes her husband’s body remains in the occupied city’s Azovstal steel plant.

Talking to the Sky

Valeria often looks up at the sky and talks to Andrii, keeping his memory alive despite the devastating loss.