Ukrainian veteran proposes after girlfriend stood by him through 46 surgeries and rehabilitation
Veteran proposes to girlfriend who was by his side during treatment and rehabilitation (Photo: Screenshot of Facebook video UNBROKEN Ukraine)
Ukrainian veteran Vasyl Kurylo, 25, proposed to his 23-year-old girlfriend Oleksandra after the couple went through his severe combat injuries, dozens of surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation together.
The proposal took place at a location with special meaning for the couple, rehabilitation center UNBROKEN Ukraine said.
Kurylo joined Ukraine’s Defense Forces in the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion. He initially served as an assault infantryman and, after recovering from his first injury, returned to the front as a drone operator.
In May 2024, Kurylo was struck by a Russian drone on the Pokrovsk axis. He lost his right leg and several fingers on his right hand and suffered multiple injuries to his left leg and face.
He then began a lengthy course of treatment and rehabilitation. Oleksandra, whom he had been dating for only about a month at the time, stayed by his side.
“She probably went through the most difficult period of both my life and hers,” Kurylo said. “She had to constantly be there with me, see me like that, and figure out together with me how we would build our lives going forward.”
Oleksandra remained with him through treatment, 46 surgeries, prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation.
When Kurylo decided to open his own business inside the medical facility — the Iron Wings barbershop — she supported him. The barbershop now serves other Ukrainian service members undergoing rehabilitation.
After more than two years together, Kurylo decided to propose.
He chose a shooting range as a reminder of one of their first dates, when the couple had gone shooting together.
Oleksandra had no idea what he was planning. Kurylo simply suggested they go shooting.
When she ran out of ammunition and turned around, Kurylo was standing behind her with a ring.
She immediately said yes.
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