A lavish £4 million wedding in Cannes, hosted by Ukrainian model Nika Kuznetsova and her billionaire husband Nika Lomia, has drawn sharp criticism from Ukrainians struggling amid the ongoing war.
Kuznetsova, originally from Kharkiv, married Lomia, a Georgian businessman, in April at the Château de la Croix des Gardes. The celebration reportedly included a private performance by Ricky Martin, estimated to cost £1.1 million, alongside Russian singer Valery Meladze and Russian TV host Maxim Galkin. The event also featured a drone and fireworks display, extensive floral arrangements, and a menu of champagne, caviar, and other luxury foods. The bride's gown alone was valued at approximately £473,000, and the venue rental cost around £215,000.
The opulent display contrasts sharply with Ukraine's continuous appeals for financial aid from international allies to sustain its war effort. Social media users in Ukraine expressed anger and disappointment over the extravagant spending, questioning the use of such vast sums while the country faces severe financial challenges.
Comments on Kuznetsova's social media highlighted the disparity, with one user writing, "Europeans are paying for drones to help defend their country. Shame on them all. If I were in their place, I wouldn't have the nerve to be out dancing." Another questioned her contribution to the war effort and aid for war widows, stating, "How much has she donated to the war effort? What has she done to help widows with children? ... the amount spent on this wedding is indecent."
Concerns were also raised about the inclusion of Russian celebrities, with one comment questioning the appropriateness of inviting them given the ongoing conflict. "Should Ukrainians invite Meladze and Galkin to their wedding? May as well invite Putin, why not," the user posted.
Kuznetsova, a former Miss Grand Ukraine contestant who has been living in Monaco since the start of Russia's invasion, responded to the backlash on social media. She stated that she did not anticipate the insults and that while she loves her country, "patriotism and aggression are not synonymous." She added that the criticism does not affect her and that happy people typically do not vent their anger online.
Kuznetsova, who has been a model since age 11 and studied international economics, met her husband through social media. Lomia, the founder of IT company Spribe, reportedly sent her flowers before they began communicating. Their first date was at McDonald's, and Lomia proposed on their second date. Kuznetsova has indicated she is stepping away from her career to focus on building a family.