From Kyiv to Budapest: A Love Story Amid Fire
Mikhail Liublin, a Russian here to study music, and his Ukrainian girlfriend of just a few weeks found themselves on a five‑day trek to Hungary, juggling rising bombs and a shaky future.
Why the Escape?
- The invasion of Ukraine had already sent 2.7 million people fleeing the chaos.
- For this newly‑wed pair, the war made everything feel like a survival game.
- They crossed borders, heard distant explosions, and clutched each other to hold hope.
The Journey
Even though the miles were long, the couple enjoyed a weird bond that grew in the most unconventional setting: a breezy balcony in a rented flat in Budapest. They’ve been complaining about the chilly sun while planning their next life in a place that’s far from the battlefield.
What Now?
Step‑by‑step, with a little humor and a lot of resilience, Mikhail and his girlfriend are:
- Drafting a vision for a peaceful future that doesn’t involve artillery.
- Learning how to make Budapest feel like home again (and off‑the‑clock street cafés).
- Convinced that love can survive even when the world feels like a temper tantrum.
Their story illustrates how two strangers can become inseparable under the most chaotic circumstances—an all‑too‑real reminder that hope and love still run strong, even in the heart of a refugee crisis.
<img alt="" data-caption="Russian software engineer Mikhail Liublin, 31, and his Ukrainian lawyer girlfriend, Valeriia Nikolaieva, 25, who fled Ukraine look at each other as they walk down the street, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Budapest, Hungary on March 11, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”fe0affdd-6613-4366-a2e2-9c452d36282c” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/couple%20new%20intext_1.jpg”/>
Love and Survival in the Heart of Budapest
Mikhail, a 31‑year‑old software engineer, and his 25‑year‑old lawyer girlfriend, Valeriia Nikolaieva, are riding the emotional roller‑coaster of life and war.
From Chaos to Comfort
“The escape was a total stress‑sorcerer,” Mikhail says, laughing despite the stiff air. “When the pressure builds, people reveal the real Jellies in them, and honestly, we barely guessed what the other was about to do.”
But the good news is that their teamwork turned chaos into… well‑something that actually works.
24/7 Bonding
“Now we’re glued together like a double‑decker bus on a loop,” Mikhail smiles. “It’s been amazing, and I want this to last forever.” He probably means forever as long as the coffee shop keeps serving beans.
Professional Dreams, European Adventures
- Mikhail – software wizard, can surf any tech sub‑culture in Europe.
- Valeriia – lawyer by day, courtroom superhero by night.
Baked into their plan: stay in Budapest until post‑war life maps out, then dream of that sweet “home” in Ukraine.
Budapest Breeze & Flying Eagles
After a thrilling spin on the Budapest Eye Ferris wheel, Mikhail reflects, “The city sparkles – bright restaurants, cool skyscrapers. But we still dodge the worries like they’re paparazzi.”
Every sudden bang and siren sound throws a shiver through a pocket of their hidden nerves.
Hoping for A Peaceful Haven
“I hope we find a place in the world where we can settle down, rebuild, and wait out the madness,” he whispers, eyes reflecting the city lights.
On The Stillness of The Countryside
Valeriia always says, “I’ve never complained about my birthplace. I know it’s a place where we can feel the scenery and move my blades,” they would say in Ukrainian.
We are, we’re all in our unique thinking and exploring this excellent environment!
We’re not just ετα ασθή, it’s cool for us that we have the concepts and data of a etc, that we’ve also shipped different hearts the best possible pouring back in a small space that ultimately you might have to accept.”
The two couriers had successfully traveled by images of the support of experts who have done a structured.
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