Love on the frontline in Ukraine

How are soldiers affected by having a romantic relationship with another soldier during an ongoing war? Marcel Mangold, Senior Lecturer in War Studies at the Swedish Defence University, explores this question in a study published in the journal Armed Forces & Society.

"I wanted to learn more about soldiers' relationships on the frontline in Ukraine for several reasons. I was intrigued by how these couples started appearing in media reports. It raised questions about their place in the broader Ukrainian context of solidarity and resistance, but also about how a frontline relationship impacted them on a personal level," says Marcel Mangold.

The research is based on interviews with eight Ukrainian soldiers—four couples—who shared their experiences of being in a relationship with another soldier on the frontline during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Four themes that shape love in war

The study identifies four key themes that define the soldiers’ relationships at the front. One of them is commitment and affection—their relationships were deeply rooted in shared commitments, both personally and nationally. Several couples met as a result of their engagement during or after the Euromaidan protests in Kyiv in 2013 or through civilian volunteer work that later transitioned into military service.

"They saw their commitment as a continuation of Ukrainians' historical struggles, sometimes directly shaped by personal losses or witnessing others’ suffering firsthand," says Marcel Mangold.

The couples also described how their relationships balanced the constant presence of death, fear, and suffering with an affirmation of life, love, and meaning. Having a partner made some of them less willing to take risks and gave them back a desire for a future.

"Several soldiers were initially hesitant to enter a relationship due to the fear of loss, but the emotional support from their partner became a crucial factor in their survival and resilience."

Relationships as emotional anchors

Being in a relationship at the front provided a sense of security in an uncertain environment, helping soldiers cope with trauma and stress. Small everyday gestures — celebrating anniversaries or finding brief moments of joy — helped them create meaning and endure the extreme conditions of war. Being able to share and discuss experiences was described as a protective factor against mental health struggles.

"They also explained how their relationship served as a shield against dehumanization and the low levels of trust among soldiers, which was a result of the frequent rotation of troops at the frontline. The romantic relationship became a place of emotional rest and deep trust," says Marcel Mangold.

The soldiers often had to navigate between concentrating on the work and feeling worried for the well-being of their partner, which sometimes increased stress.

"But their relationships also strengthened their resilience and determination, enabling them to manage the coexistence of love and war."

Love as part of the resistance

The study sheds light on how love and relationships affect soldiers in war, but also on how identity, history, culture, language, and romantic bonds are intertwined with resistance.

"Love between soldiers is not just a private matter; it has also become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and unity and inspires others. This is evident in the media and on social platforms," says Mangold.

Important Insights for Armed Forces

The study provides new perspectives on how relationships influence soldiers' well-being and operational capability. Its results also challenge traditional norms that may make it difficult for military couples to serve together.

Marcel Mangold hopes the research will increase understanding of the importance of relationships in war—not just romantic ones, but also broader social connections between people, communities, and environments.

"Armed forces need to recognize and support servicemen’s need for relationships. Doing so can improve servicemen’s mental health and satisfy their existential needs."

Future research on military relationships

Love and war are common themes in popular culture, but research on the topic remains limited. This study opens avenues for further exploration of military relationships, such as how they impact servicemen's morale and operational performance.

"In the Ukrainian context, it would be interesting to investigate how commanders view military relationships and what role they play in unit cohesion," says Mangold.