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A Russian man declared his undying love to his wife on Valentine's Day by laying in a coffin of ice for 13 minutes.

The bizarre stunt was completed by former soldier Oleg Rezanov who wore just a pair of bright gold shorts during the stunt, Daily Mirror reported.

He lay down on the frozen ground before being covered in more snow ans water was poured on him to make a heart shape, which immediately froze in place.

Staff from Russia's emergencies ministry watched on as the challenge took place.

When he was pulled out of his icy grave, Mr Rezanov could not speak and was seen shaking, but managed to walk back to a building to warm up.

He later told reporters he had been in a trance and remembered very little from his time underground.

He said: "I inhaled twice when they buried me.

"I don’t remember further. I heard sounds periodically, very far away. But when they said '12 minutes', I heard that clearly.

"I was shocked that I coped. I am satisfied with the result. Nobody believed this could be done. I almost doubted myself."

Asked why he carried out the stunt on Valentine's Day, which is also his birthday, he added: "Everything is fine. Irina, I love you very much! I'll be home soon."