As Ukraine prepares to mark four years since the onset of the war with Russia, Maryna Kumeda, an author and former soldier, reflects on how such prolonged conflict impacts personal relationships. Her book, "Love in Wartime," explores various forms of love that persist amid the chaos, from patriotic affection to the bonds formed among soldiers. Interviewing individuals across cities like Izium, Kharkiv, and Kyiv, Kumeda documents the resilience of love in a landscape marred by violence and uncertainty.

Kumeda highlights different expressions of love encountered during her travels. She notes the profound love of Ukrainians for their homeland, which manifests in collective efforts to resist invasion, as well as the unique camaraderie shared by soldiers who support each other in the battlefield. Additionally, there are moving examples of mothers who actively participate in defense efforts to safeguard their children’s futures, demonstrating a powerful maternal love that drives them to action.

Ultimately, Kumeda's experiences and insights reveal that love not only survives in times of war but adapts and evolves, serving as a potent source of hope and motivation for many Ukrainians. Her choice to join the army after the book's publication underscores the deep connection between love, identity, and the fight for one's homeland, illustrating how the human spirit can thrive even amidst the gravest challenges.