Couple from Ukraine and Russia tie nuptial knot in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst the prolonging Ukraine - Russia war, a love story of citizens from the two countries blossomed into a nuptial knot in Kerala.

Sasha Ostrovik from Ukraine and Olya Ostrovik alias Savitri from Russia tied the nuptial knot with the blessings of Mata Amrithanandamayi at Amritapuri ashram in Kollam district of south Kerala on January 23..

Sasha, who is from Kyiv, is pursuing PhD in mental health at Amrita University. His focus area is creating interventions for mental health in war-affected areas. Savitri, who is from Moscow, is a psychology student and also a volunteer at the ashram.

The two met for the first time at Amrithapuri in 2019 and their relationship remained unaffected by the hostility between the two countries. Though both returned, they continued their relationship. Sasha returned to Amritapuri just before the war started. Savitri returned to Amritapuri last year.

“The war made our relationship even closer and stronger. Love is higher than national identities,” the couple says..

Conducting the marriage, Amrithanandamayi called upon everyone to pray for peace between Russia and Ukraine.