The wedding of Olha Shevchenko and Mykyta Pukhkan in September was unique as it was conducted online using the Ukrainian-developed Diia mobile application. Launched by the Digital Transformation Ministry in 2020, the app offers a wide range of services, including the ability to access official documents, register a business, and now, get married online. The couple, sitting in a cafe in the town of Izmail in southern Odesa Oblast, became newlyweds within minutes by listening to the registrar conducting the ceremony via video and digitally signing to confirm the marriage. This online marriage service has gained popularity, with 251 couples already married through Diia and over 3,200 applications for online marriage recorded as of September 20.
Legalizing online marriage in Ukraine became necessary due to the ongoing war situation in the country, with nearly a million people involved in defense efforts. The number of marriages in Ukraine increased in 2022 but decreased in 2023, indicating a changing trend. To simplify the marriage procedure during martial law, Ukraine’s parliament allowed military personnel to marry remotely through the Diia app. This move has enabled soldiers on the front line to get married to their loved ones, providing a sense of normalcy amid the challenging circumstances. For some, like the LGBTQ+ community, the goal of marriage remains unattainable in Ukraine, as same-sex marriage is illegal and civil partnership recognition is still pending legislation in parliament.
For couples like Vitalii Tsariuk and his partner Viktor, applying for marriage using the demo version of the online proposal feature was a way to advocate for legalizing same-sex marriages in Ukraine. The LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine faces challenges in accessing rights available to heterosexual couples, such as the right to make decisions about the partner’s body in case of death. Despite the hurdles, some LGBTQ+ couples have used the app to propose to their partners, showcasing their love and commitment to each other. The issue of same-sex marriage legalization in Ukraine is not just about overcoming homophobia but also about raising awareness and advocating for equal rights in a society facing the realities of war and conflict.
While online marriage services through the Diia app have provided a streamlined and convenient process for many Ukrainians, it has also highlighted the disparities and inequalities faced by marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ+ population. The app’s readiness to register same-sex couples reflects a positive step towards inclusion and recognition of diverse relationships. However, until laws allowing same-sex marriage are enacted in Ukraine, the struggle for equal rights and representation continues. As the country navigates through a challenging period marked by war and conflict, the push for legal reforms to ensure equal rights for all citizens remains an ongoing battle that requires collective effort and advocacy.
