Latest news with #Daile

Scottish Sun

Scots soldier found love in Ukraine while sheltering from Russian attack

He connected with the love of his life on Tinder - while he was cooped up in a bunker LOVE AT FIRST STRIKE Scots soldier found love in Ukraine while sheltering from Russian attack Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER squaddie has told how he found love in Ukraine — while sheltering from Russian bombs and bullets on the frontline. Daile McGhie, 23, was under enemy fire in a bunker when he matched with Zhenya Gudyma, 21, on dating app Tinder. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Daile joined international fighters in Ukraine after war broke out 5 He matched with Zhenya on Tinder while sheltering from Russian attacks 5 The loved-up pair have since married and are planning a family The pair chatted and met up for dates before getting married last July. And now they're expecting their first child within weeks. And Daile, originally from Kilmarnock, revealed his missus has backed his bravery in facing up to Vladimir Putin's army. He said: 'I've been blown up three times and skimmed with a couple of bullets. She was really supportive of me through that.' Ironically, the pair had first got in contact with each other years earlier while the young Scot was serving as a rifleman in the British Army, which he joined at 16. He texted Zhenya on Badoo but the relationship fizzled out, mainly due to the 1,500-mile distance. After three years with The Rifles regiment, Daile signed up to the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine when Russian forces invaded in March 2022. He admits he was shocked by the intense combat, saying: 'It was a lot to handle at a young age. 'I had some experience with the British Army but I saw death for the first time and came up against another army ready and willing to kill me. It was quite straining.' Brit & French generals to lead rebuilding of Ukraine army with team sent in DAYS Daile's life changed when he saw Zhenya's face again on his phone in the southern Kherson region. He said: 'I was sat there getting bombed, swiping through Tinder — and we matched. She recognised me from a previous photo. 'We spoke for a couple of weeks then met up for coffee and dinner. We started dating when I had time off. "We've been together since. "I'm now married, live in Kyiv and have a son on the way. 'I get told all the time I'm one in a million people that can go to a war to fight and then create a life like I have." Daile popped the question at Zhenya's home in the capital Kyiv. She said: 'My mum and dad were happy when he asked for my hand. They adore him and call him their little son. I love his courage, independence, and resilience.' Daile's Scots family watched his wedding online. He said: 'They're happy I've started a family.' He can be on the frontline for several months in a row but hopes to spend more time in Kyiv with Zhenya after their son is born. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warns Brits who fight in the war could face prosecution back in the UK. 5 Zhenya, Daile and their dog Reaper