A couple who got engaged atop the Empire State Building face possible deportation, and their lawyer says it could send the man to fight in Ukraine
All you need is love—and a valid visa.
A Russian couple whose engagement went viral after they climbed to the top of New York City’s Empire State Building are now facing possible deportation and prison time as their criminal case takes another turn. Angela Nikolau, 33, and Ivan Kuznetsov, 32, made international headlines in July after scaling the skyscraper’s 1,454-foot (443-meter) antenna without safety equipment.
Once at the top, they unfurled a black banner bearing the message: “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
The dangerous climb doubled as a marriage proposal, with Kuznetsov proposing to Nikolau after they reached the summit. The couple was subsequently arrested and charged over the unauthorized ascent.
Months later, however, the attention surrounding their engagement has given way to a potentially much more serious legal battle according to Fox News. Following a court appearance in Manhattan on November 12, their attorney warned that the couple could face deportation if convicted, with particularly troubling consequences should they be sent back to Russia.
Why the couple’s plea deal reportedly fell apart
The couple’s attorney, Noam Biale, said his team had accepted a proposed agreement with Manhattan prosecutors that would have allowed Nikolau and Kuznetsov to plead guilty to misdemeanor charges. According to Biale, the arrangement was intended to protect them from “catastrophic immigration consequences.”
However, the attorney claimed the offer was taken off the table the night before their Nov. 12 court appearance. He characterized the development as a “bait and switch” and said his clients were now prepared to fight the charges.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office disputed that account. A spokesperson told Fox News that it was inaccurate to say any offer had been withdrawn, adding that the charges against the couple remained unchanged.
Nikolau and Kuznetsov face felony charges of first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree burglary, alongside a misdemeanor charge of unlawful climbing. Both are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Their attorney also raised concerns about what deportation could mean for the couple if they were returned to Russia. “If sent back to Russia, Mr. Kuznetsov will almost certainly be sent to fight in the war in Ukraine and Ms. Nikolau may be jailed for her artistic expression,” Biale told reporters.
The couple insist their Empire State Building climb was about love
Speaking outside the courthouse, Kuznetsov defended the stunt, insisting that the couple had never intended to damage property or endanger anyone. “We didn’t damage any property. We didn’t intend to put anyone in danger,” he shared. He added that they just wanted to send a message of love and that they are ready to defend themselves.
Nikolau also became emotional as she addressed the situation, explaining that their intention had been to share a message of peace at a time when the world was experiencing so much suffering.
The couple had previously discussed their motivations in a November 11 interview with Good Morning America, where they described their climb as a form of artistic expression. They also acknowledged that they understood the risks involved, with both agreeing that they were willing to die for their art.
Kuznetsov and Nikolau were previously featured in the 2024 Netflix documentary Skywalkers: A Love Story, which followed their high-risk rooftop photography and attempt to scale Malaysia’s Merdeka 118 skyscraper.
Meanwhile, the couple have expressed their hope of remaining in New York, which they consider an ideal place to pursue their artistic ambitions. For now, their wedding plans are also on hold as they concentrate on their ongoing criminal case.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Follow The Mary Sue:
