Ukrainian couple reunited in Kyiv after four and a half years apart

A Ukrainian couple separated for four and a half years by war and occupation have been reunited in Kyiv, embracing outside a hospital in a moment of tears and joy. 'I can't believe you're here,' Larysa said through tears; 'I couldn't believe it myself,' Serhiy replied.

Serhiy Ryndov, 68, was trapped in Oleshky, a southern town occupied in the first three months of Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion. Larysa, 72, fled to England to live with their son while he stayed behind to guard the family home. He lived through Russian-laid landmines, persistent drone strikes and the loss of electricity and heating; food distribution in the town stopped this spring.

On October 30, Serhiy was evacuated along with hundreds of other civilians under a ceasefire arrangement involving US First Lady Melania Trump and Pope Leo. Larysa travelled 2,000 kilometres from England to Kyiv to meet him.

The couple, who have three children and six grandchildren, now face rebuilding a life together after years in which even phone contact was dangerous and rare.