Authorities in Ukraine are investigating the claims that a young man tied the knot with his 81-year-old cousin with disability so that he wouldn’t have to join the army.
24-year-old Alexander Kondratyuk said he had developed a strong relationship with his 81-year-old cousin but denied that he only married her so he didn’t have to fight in the military.
In Ukraine, all men are required to serve in the army but people with medical conditions are exempted. It can also be avoided if one must take care of a disabled or sick spouse.
Kondratyuk didn’t have to join the army after he tied the knot with his cousin. He showed their marriage certificate and said his wife is disabled.
Their wedding ceremony took place in a village near Vinnitsa, Ukraine. It was performed on the banks of the Southern Bug.
Journalists questioned the 81-year-old Zinaida Illarionovna and she claimed he was a good husband who takes good care of her. But according to neighbors, they never see the young man in the area.
One neighbor said to a local TV station that Zinaida was likely to be visited by her grandchildren, sisters and nephews than by her 24-year-old husband.
Reports also said that the elderly woman lived in the house on her own and the only evident sign of their marriage was the certificate Kondratyuk showed the army.
Commissioner Aleksandr Danilyuk, the one in charge of the Vinnitsa Commissariat, confirmed Kondratyuk had the right to not sign up as he is the legal guardian of a registered disabled woman.
He also said that there was nothing that can be done as the 24-year-old had the correct documentation.
But according to a legal expert, the army could call neighbors as witnesses if he really doesn’t live with the woman.
“If they prove that there is no valid marriage, and that there is no common household, then he can be called up to do military service,” said Roman Korchenyuk, a lawyer.
But army officials have said that they are not interested in investigating the case.
What’s your take on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this with your friends and family!
Replaced!