Russian Ukrainian Couple Marry In Himachal, Sends Message Of Make Love, Not War

A Russian-born man and a Ukrainian woman recently tied the knot and registered their marriage in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Sergey Novikov, a former Russian citizen who is now an Israeli citizen, and Ukraine's Alona Burmaka registered their marriage under the Special Marriage Act of India.

Russian Ukrainian Couple, Sergey Novikov and Alona Burmaka, while registering their marriage in India, urged the two countries to not engage in war. Instead find love amidst this tragic time of war between the two countries. Their message was short and powerful: make love, not war.

Suggested reading: Amid War, Two Ukrainian Soldiers Take Wedding Vows On Battlefield

Registered their marriage after Hindu wedding rites

Novikov and Burmaka married abiding by the Hindu wedding rites last month. Russian Ukrainian Couple Marriage took place in Dharamshala and registered their marriage on 5 September under the Special Marriage Act of India. Following the legalisation of their union, the couple talked to the media and urged people to make love, not war. 

While the ongoing crisis between Moscow and Kyiv, the couple came forward and declared their love for one another despite belonging to different, conflicting nations. "We met in Israel and have been living together for six years. When we went to India a year or so ago, we knew right away that Dharamshala was a popular spot for Hindu marriages. In addition to Hindus, this message is also directed towards Russian and Ukrainian citizens," they said in a statement.

Russian Ukrainian Couple Marriage Promotes Love

Novikov also recalled how "once upon a time, Russia and Ukraine were close allies.  Violence is undesirable since it only affects the government and the population as a whole. It needs to cease." The couple dated for six years before tying the knot, and they chose India considering their love for the country's rich culture, beauty, and charm, according to Burmaka.

SDM Dharamshala Shilp Bekta gave them the marriage registration certificate.  "The marriage that was registered today is covered by Section 11 of the Special Marriage Act. The groom was born in Russia, whereas the bride is an Israeli citizen by birth." About 40% of foreign weddings in Dharamshala are registered, according to the Special Marriage Act, stated Bekta.

The Russian-Ukrainian war has created a major stir internationally, affecting international operations and generating new issues worldwide. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on February 24 that his nation would invade Ukraine as part of a special military operation. | Russian Ukrainian Couple Marriage