War bride: Last female "Azov" marine, captive in Russia for two years, returns home to surprise proposal

Halyna Fedyshyn valiantly defended Mariupol alongside her beloved before enduring nearly two years of Russian captivity. She was the last of the Ukrainian marines held captive in Russia. Yet finally, on one recent Wednesday, she returned to her homeland.

Upon her arrival, besides the sweet taste of freedom and the cessation of her persecution, another surprise awaited her. Serhii Volynskyi, the commander of the 36th Independent Marine Infantry Brigade announced another piece of delightful news the day after her release. On Thursday, Halyna's beloved proposed to her without hesitation, for amidst war, there is no time to waste.

Halyna Fedyshyn was captured by Russia and remained in captivity until 2024. The Russians brutally interrogated her, beat her, and threatened her with death. There were several instances where they falsely implied a prisoner exchange, only to return her to the camp. She has only recently been released with a group of 230 soldiers and civilians from Ukraine. She is now back home following almost two years of separation.

During her service in the army, she acted as a field medic, caring for the wounded and fellow soldiers.

In the video clip, you can see Halyna approaching her boyfriend who surprised her with a large bouquet of red roses, and then dropped to one knee, asking her to be his wife. The young woman, overwhelmed with joy and tears, accepted his proposal.

Their love weathered tribulations that could debilitate the strongest, yet they remained unbroken. They experienced the battle for Mariupol, the hardship of being held captive, and prolonged separation. Yet through all these, their hearts never ceased to beat in unison, not even for a moment. These were the words of the commander of the 36th Independent Marine Infantry Brigade who witnessed the engagement.