Judge Robert Rinder has confirmed he will be travelling to the Ukrainian border as he attempts to meet up with the grandparents of his Strictly Come Dancing partner.
The 43-year-old barrister explained in a series of social media posts that he would be at the Polish border on Monday where he will be reporting on the Ukrainian crisis for talkRADIO.
Also, he added he hoped to connect with the grandparents of his Strictly dance partner Ukrainian star Oksana Platero.
‘The truth is like a lion. You don't have to defend it. Let it loose. It will
— Robert Rinder (@RobbieRinder) March 10, 2022
defend itself.’ St Augustine@talkRADIO @NewsUK https://t.co/to4XcwMJgt pic.twitter.com/eJ2rNhqk9G
Her grandparents join millions of Ukrainian nationals who are currently trying to exit the country after Russia invaded over two weeks ago.
Confirming he would be working from the border as of next week, Rinder wrote: “Oksana Platero my Ukrainian dance partner on @bbcstrictly gifted me so much. Right now her grandparents are a week into their struggle to find sanctuary in a safe country.
“I’ll be trying to meet them on the border next week. They’re just a few of the millions who need us.”
Rinder was yet to confirm which border Platero’s grandparents would be crossing but he vowed to help reunite them with family.
In preparation for his travel to the Ukrainian border, Rinder also shared a photograph of himself wearing an armoured vest with “PRESS” printed on the front.
Rinder’s online statement has been met with a huge amount of praise as followers commended the television star for his brave efforts.
Many urged Rinder to stay safe while others asked how they could help with the ongoing situation.
“I will pray for Oksana and her family, for all those suffering so terribly in and outside Ukraine, and of course for your safe return Robbie,” wrote one supporter.
The television judge competed in Strictly Come Dancing with Platero in 2016 where they made it to the semi-finals of the glamorous dance competition.
The professional dancer has also penned an emotional statement on social media as she opened up about her family’s attempt to flee Ukraine.
She revealed her mother and brother were among several family members that had already crossed the border after a “brutal” journey.
Then the dancer explained her grandparents - two of which can’t walk - were still trying to escape.
Alongside a picture of her family, the dancer added: “The rest of our family which include our 3 grandparents, 2 who are not able to walk, and Kateryna’s mom and dad are still in danger as they are currently still trying to escape. We are praying that they will make it out of Ukraine and into safety soon.
“Whats next is unclear, unpredictable, and terrifying.”
She added: “This is where we’d like to ask for any support as they spend their time away from home. They will be in need of accommodations, food, and medical attention for quite some time. We are raising money to send to them and keep them in good hands. Anything you can do to help would be much appreciated.”
More than 2.3 million people have fled from Ukraine into neighbouring countries within the 15 days since Russian troops invaded, according to the International Organization of Migration.
