Ukrainian couple who found love amid war say cigarettes, humour and companionship helped them survive

Two elderly Ukrainians who found love after fleeing the war have spoken about how they supported each other through the past year of unimaginable trauma.

Volodymyr, 70, and Olga, 67, made separate 500-kilometre journeys from their home city of Kharkiv, northern Ukraine, before meeting at Depaul Day Centre in the capital 11 months ago.

Speaking with the PA news agency at the centre, they said cigarettes, humour, and their companionship has helped them survive.

READ MORE: A year on from war, how Greater Manchester wrapped its arms around Ukraine

It comes as the country marks one year since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. The UK is set to join allies in pledging to stand with the war-torn country for as long as needed.

In London, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will lead a national minute’s silence to mark the anniversary, with G7 leaders set to meet to discuss a conflict that has scarred Europe and shaken the West.

With no end in sight for the war, Mr Sunak will urge his fellow world leaders to 'move faster' in arming Ukraine’s troops as the battle against Vladimir Putin’s forces continues.

In Kiev, Olga has had to contend with worries about her daughter, who is abroad with 'no support', and her son-in-law, who is fighting on the front line in Bakhmut – as is Volodymyr’s son.

When asked how she copes, Olga said: "I’m a big joker", while producing a pack of cigarettes, adding: "I don’t drink alcohol so I just smoke a bit and it helps me to feel a bit better.

"What do we have without humour? Without humour there is literally nothing left… Sometimes I am sad and I cry when no-one is looking because I’m trying not to show it because your kids are looking up to you."

She joked: "I also have Volodymyr who is looking