The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Tinder in the trenches: How war has changed love and sex in Ukraine

By Jeff Stein

04 Jan 2023 · 5 min read

Editor's Note

The conflict in Ukraine has upended almost every facet of daily life there, including dating. The Washington Post reports on the reality of forming and sustaining relationships during wartime.

Kyiv, Ukraine - With his strong build, black hair and easy smile, Vlad had little problem finding about 200 matches on Tinder in Kharkiv ahead of his military unit's break in the eastern Ukrainian city, as he swiped on the dating app from his position on the front lines.

It was admittedly a lower number than his halcyon prewar days in Kyiv, when Vlad said he once compiled a record 1,238 Tinder matches. But after nine months in the army, he was excited nonetheless by the prospect of a quick hookup.

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