Love in a War Zone: The Journey of Sasha and Dmytro

In the midst of conflict, love endures. This article delves into the extraordinary journeys of couples like Sasha and Dmytro, who brave the challenges of war to be with one another. Sasha, a 22-year-old woman, undertakes a perilous nighttime train journey from Kyiv to Kramatorsk in Eastern Ukraine, hoping to reunite with the man she loves amidst the turmoil of war.

Facing Danger for Love

Sasha embarks on her journey with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. “I worry less about myself and more for my husband, who is currently stationed in a war zone,” she tells BBC News over coffee. The trek is fraught with danger, yet Sasha believes the effort is worthwhile. “The journey may be long, but it’s infused with hope. The return trip, however, is far more challenging,” she reflects.

The Limits of Rail Travel

Since November 5, 2025, Ukrainian Railways has halted services in Donetsk due to escalating attacks on the railway infrastructure. Consequently, the train no longer stops in Kramatorsk itself, but rather in a small village two hours away by bus. “Anything can happen during that transfer,” Sasha says, but she remains hopeful about the continued operation of the trains. “That gives us hope,” she adds.

A Future in Kramatorsk?

Sasha married Dmytro in August 2025. “He told me right away that I would be his wife, and I didn’t believe him. I never planned to marry before I turned 25,” she smiles. Dmytro serves as a career military officer and has spent seven of his 26 years in the armed forces. Sasha also has a family history intertwined with military service. “Every man in my family serves. My father is a police officer, and after retiring, he joined the military. My older brother is also in the army,” she explains.

Sasha travels to Kramatorsk nearly every month, wishing for more frequent visits, though obtaining permits can be challenging for Dmytro. Following their wedding, the couple discussed the possibility of her moving to Kramatorsk. “We talked about it in early September, again a month ago, and just last week. We long for it, but right now, it’s too dangerous,” she clarifies.

Moments of Togetherness

Despite the risks, Sasha eagerly makes her way from Kyiv to Kramatorsk. Dmytro chooses quieter and safer locations for their brief reunions, although the city remains “very loud” and plagued by attacks. “When he sleeps by my side, I’m not afraid of anything,” Sasha adds.

The high-speed train journey from Kyiv often faces delays. On this occasion, the train is at least two hours late. “It speeds through Poltava, but once we hit Kharkiv region, we have to reroute due to shelling. Arrival times are unpredictable, and people are informed on the go,” explains the train inspector.

Adapting to the Uncertainty

Traveling becomes even more complicated upon reaching Barvinkove, the train’s last stop. Once, Sasha missed the shuttle bus due to its distance from the station. “I spotted a taxi driver and managed to convince her to take me to Kramatorsk. We drove through the fog for about three hours on a bumpy road,” she recalls.

“The only thing that keeps me going is common sense: we are still alive, there’s communication, transportation, and we can see each other,” Sasha smiles. Each reunion brings joy but also the anxiety of preparing for the next parting.

Life on the Platform

On the platform in Barvinkove, disembarking passengers proceed cautiously. The evening fog creates an eerie yet calming atmosphere. “When there’s fog, fewer drones fly overhead,” some older women whisper among themselves.

In the shadows, newcomers are uncertain of their paths. Their only choice is to follow the crowd, primarily composed of individuals dressed in camouflage. A bearded man softly embraces a girl in a white jacket. I approach to chat with them.

“I took valerian so I wouldn’t cry this time. Last time, I cried non-stop, and we couldn’t say goodbye properly,” Polina shares. She met Andriy on a bus four months ago; he was enlisting in the military, while she was returning from the coast.

Long-Distance Relationships Amidst Turmoil

At 24, this is Polina’s first visit to Kramatorsk. Previously, Andriy would often commute to Kyiv on weekends. “We haven’t been together long, and we cherish our time alone. I once told Andriy that I didn’t care how short it was; I would come just to grab coffee together,” she says.

After receiving a weekend pass, Andriy was able to meet Polina, who had purchased a train ticket. “Long-distance relationships are tough,” she admits. “When Andriy doesn’t respond, I worry immediately… but he could simply be taking a shower. Every time we meet, it feels like we have to reconnect physically since we haven’t seen each other in so long.” The danger always lurks nearby. Upon returning to Kyiv, Polina heard explosions at the station. That night, the capital endured one of its longest air raid alarms, lasting over ten hours, resulting in casualties.

Not Just a Journey of Love

While trains transport couples to the front lines, they also carry families seeking safety. Local authorities frequently urge residents to evacuate. The frontline is only 20 kilometers away from Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, both under constant bombardment and drone attacks.

Each day, around 200 individuals arrive at the evacuation center on the border of Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, hoping for safety. Some come by their own vehicles, having made clear plans for the future, while others wait for the Ukrainian Railways’ evacuation train, often delayed due to ongoing Russian assaults.

“I can’t wait for the next meeting,” Sasha reflects wistfully. “There’s simply no time for tears or despair.”

Key Takeaways

• Sasha navigates dangerous train travel from Kyiv to Kramatorsk to see her husband Dmytro.
• Despite the challenges, her love gives her hope and courage during the journey.
• Polina and Andriy share their own struggle with a long-distance relationship amid the chaos of war.
• Evacuations are ongoing as families seek safety near the frontlines, highlighting the urgency of the situation.