Enduring Partnership: Petro and Maryna Poroshenko's Decades-Long Love Story Amidst Public Life

Petro Poroshenko, the fifth President of Ukraine, has maintained a remarkably stable and private romantic life, primarily defined by his long-standing marriage to Maryna Poroshenko. Their enduring union, spanning over four decades, has been a consistent aspect of his public persona, even as his political career navigated the tumultuous landscape of Ukrainian politics. Their relationship is often portrayed as a bedrock of stability, a stark contrast to the often-turbulent world of high-stakes governance.

Their love story began in the early 1980s. Petro Poroshenko and Maryna Perevedentseva first crossed paths at a disco while both were students at the Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv. Despite Maryna being slightly older, the connection was immediate, with Petro reportedly falling in love at first sight. This initial spark blossomed into a deep bond, leading to their marriage in 1984.

Following their marriage, Maryna Poroshenko initially pursued a career as a cardiologist at the Zhovtneva Hospital. However, after the birth of their first child, she chose to dedicate her time to raising their family. The couple went on to have four children: a son, Oleksiy, born in 1985, followed by twin daughters, Yevheniia and Oleksandra, in 2000, and another son, Mykhailo, in 2001. The family has largely maintained a private life, residing in their home in the historic Koncha-Zaspa neighborhood.

As Petro Poroshenko ascended the political ladder, eventually becoming President of Ukraine in 2014, Maryna Poroshenko stepped into the role of First Lady. While she generally refrained from discussing politics publicly, she actively engaged in social and cultural initiatives. She served as the Chairman of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation from 2018 to 2019 and has been a prominent participant in the activities of the Petro Poroshenko Charity Foundation, focusing on humanitarian and social issues.

In recent developments, the couple's financial affairs have drawn public attention. In March 2025, Maryna Poroshenko filed a lawsuit against Petro Poroshenko for the division of marital property. This legal action, involving a substantial sum, sparked speculation about their marriage. However, the European Solidarity party, led by Poroshenko, issued a statement clarifying the situation. According to the party, the lawsuit is a strategic legal maneuver to protect the family's assets from sanctions imposed on Petro Poroshenko by the Ukrainian government.

The party explicitly stated that there is no talk of divorce between the spouses, emphasizing that their marriage remains strong and filled with love, mutual support, and respect after 40 years. This explanation suggests the lawsuit is a defensive measure to ensure the continued ability to finance assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and support Poroshenko's political activities, which were reportedly hampered by the sanctions. The court hearing for the property division case commenced in April 2025.

Throughout Petro Poroshenko's high-profile career, his marriage to Maryna has been consistently portrayed as a pillar of strength and stability. Public appearances often show them together, presenting a united front. Their long-standing commitment to each other and their family has been a defining characteristic of their public image, reinforcing a sense of continuity and tradition amidst the dynamic political landscape of Ukraine. Despite the recent legal complexities, their bond appears to remain a central and unwavering aspect of their lives.