After enduring over two years of separation and hardship in their native Russia, Sasha Skochilenko and Sofya Subbotina are now planning to get married in Germany, where same-sex weddings are recognized. Skochilenko, an artist and musician, was jailed for speaking out against Russia’s war in Ukraine, while Subbotina campaigned for her release. Despite facing challenges in Russia, including laws restricting LGBTQ+ rights and intense scrutiny, the couple now feels free to live openly and plan for a life together in Germany.
Skochilenko’s arrest in 2022 led to a year-long separation from Subbotina, who was diagnosed with cancer and unable to visit her partner in prison. Throughout their ordeal, the couple remained determined to be together and continue fighting for their love despite the obstacles they faced in Russia. Subbotina’s status as a witness in Skochilenko’s case limited their communication and visits, highlighting the difficulties LGBTQ+ couples face in a country where their relationships are not legally recognized.
Despite the challenges they faced, Skochilenko and Subbotina remained open about their relationship and used their visibility as a form of activism. Skochilenko indicated that the Kremlin’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies motivated her to protest and speak out against discrimination. By being open about their relationship, the couple hoped to challenge misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community and foster understanding among those who may not be familiar with same-sex relationships.
After a particularly difficult period in prison, Skochilenko’s hope for a miracle came true when she was unexpectedly transferred to Moscow and urged to apply for a presidential pardon. This unexpected turn of events led to her eventual release in a historic East-West prisoner exchange, allowing her to reunite with Subbotina in Germany. The couple’s reunion marked a new beginning for them, filled with joy and relief from the hardships they had endured in Russia.
The couple’s new life in Germany has been described as euphoric, with Skochilenko returning to her art and Subbotina planning to work in the human rights field. They are grateful for the freedom and acceptance they have found in Germany, where they can openly express their love for each other without fear of persecution. Both Skochilenko and Subbotina are optimistic about their future in Germany and eager to start their new lives together in a country that recognizes and respects their relationship.
As they settle in Koblenz, Germany, Skochilenko and Subbotina are grateful for the opportunity to live openly as a couple and plan for their future together. They are committed to moving forward with their lives in a country that values their love and supports their freedom. Despite the challenges they faced in Russia, the couple remains hopeful and determined to build a new life together, embracing the possibilities and opportunities that await them in Germany.
