A Ukrainian woman in Merseyside has spoken of her grave fears for her family as her cousin fights on the frontline and her grandmother hides underground during Russia's brutal invasion of her country.
Nataliya Tarnavska, 24, lives in Wirral with her mother, step-father and sister - but has many close family members and friends in Ukraine.
She came to England 10 years ago, but retains a very strong connection with her beloved Ukraine, which she visits every year.
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Nataliya says she has been in a 'state of shock', since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine and is in daily contact with family members on the ground.
One of those family members is her cousin, Damian, who is a lieutenant in the Ukrainian Air Force and is on the frontline defending the capital city of Kyiv.
She said: "Damian has been protecting airports near Kyiv, we are worried about him but he is so strong.
"I spoke to him today and he was calm and strong, he really believes that Ukraine will win and that Russia will be defeated."
Another of Nataliya's family members is her 72-year-old grandmother, Valentina, who lives in a town outside of Kyiv where Nataliya grew up.
If you would like to contribute to Nataliya's fundraiser for Ukraine, click here.
She said: "My grandmother is hiding underground from the Russian attacks, she does not want to leave her home, she wants to stay - we are very worried about her, we are messaging her every five minutes to check on her."
Nataliya's step-father, Dave, a former British army serviceman has now signed up and offered his services to fight and defend Ukraine.
She said: "We are hoping that he doesn't get the call."
Despite her fears, Nataliya said she has never seen her country so united.
She said: "Every Ukrainian who I speak to is very strong-willed, ready to fight for their freedom and future.
"Russia did not expect this, everyone is working to help each other in Ukraine. It is amazing."
Nataliya works as a chemist in Knowsley, she has now launched her own fundraising campaign to try and raise money for the British Red Cross that is providing emergency supplies to Ukrainians affected by the invasion.
She has already raised close to £1,000 and has been overwhelmed by the support from people in this region.
She said: "The British Red Cross charity was helping Ukraine, providing food, warm clothes and first aid. At the moment, they are appealing for emergency support, as they are supplying medication, food and fuel.
"People have been so generous, I have already had to raise the target, we are so grateful to everyone."
If you would like to contribute to Nataliya's fundraiser for Ukraine, click here.
