This Valentine’s Day Byline TV spoke to Ukrainians in Kyiv to find out how they were celebrating, and why celebrating love is so important against a backdrop of an escalating war.

Many shared stories of hope, stressing the importance of holding on to one another and finding joy and reasons to celebrate in spite of the gruelling conflict that has changed life in Ukraine forever. Whether citizens, members of the military or volunteers delivering humanitarian aid, all of them reaffirmed the need for love and unity during this difficult time.