Prominent actor Oleksii Yarovenko, widely recognized for his captivating performances in the hit television series “Love in Chains” (Kriposna) and “Exes” (Kolyshni), has recently opened up about the deeply personal challenges he faced within his marriage. In an exclusive and candid interview with journalist Alina Dorotiuk, the actor shared the turbulent journey he and his wife, actress Olha Karpova, navigated to save their relationship.
The couple’s romantic story began across borders. They first crossed paths at a student creative festival in Romania, where shared artistic passions quickly blossomed into romance. By 2014, the couple officially tied the knot. Following their wedding, they decided to settle in Minsk, Belarus. For Yarovenko, this period was marked by professional growth; he was actively involved in local theater, secured various film roles, and pursued his musical endeavors. However, the reality of living abroad proved to be a severe psychological and emotional challenge for Karpova. Over time, she realized she could not continue living away from her native Ukraine.
The emotional toll eventually reached a breaking point, leading to a severe marital crisis.
“In Minsk, Olya gave me a strict ultimatum: either we relocate immediately, or we get a divorce,” Yarovenko revealed. “The situation escalated to the point where we were almost at the registry office ready to file the divorce papers. Looking back, in the three years leading up to that moment, she had already packed her bags and threatened to leave me about 15 times.”
A pivotal turning point came in 2016 when the couple made the life-altering decision to move to Kyiv. This relocation marked a fresh chapter in both their personal lives and professional careers. Yarovenko’s major breakthrough arrived in 2019 with the release of the period drama “Love in Chains,” a show that skyrocketed his popularity and brought numerous lucrative offers from abroad, particularly from Poland.
Despite the alluring international prospects, Yarovenko consciously chose to prioritize his family. He deliberately turned down several foreign projects to remain close to his wife and ensure she did not feel isolated.
“It seemed to me that Olya felt lonely, even though she had friends and acquaintances in Kyiv. Perhaps there was a touch of jealousy involved as well,” he reflected. “We are very much like an Italian family—loud, highly emotional, yet incredibly resilient and strong.”
Today, the couple has successfully weathered their past storms and is happily raising two children together. They credit their enduring bond to open communication, mutual support, and a shared commitment to prioritizing their family over the demanding pressures of the entertainment industry.