Motsi Mabuse has said that she feels 'heartbroken' after revealing that her in-laws are stuck in Ukraine.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge is married to Evgenij Voznyuk, a dancer from Ukraine who grew up in the country before moving to Germany to pursue a career in dancing. The pair married in a small legal ceremony in 2017, and have a daughter together.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine yesterday (February 24), and warned in a televised address that Moscow's response would be 'instant' if anyone tried to take Russia on. Ukraine's foreign minister has accused Russia of starting a full-scale war and called on the UK to do 'everything possible' to stop it.
Read more: Ukrainians in Bristol react to Russia's 'full-scale invasion' - 'I have not slept at all'
Yesterday, Motsi shared on Twitter that Evgenij's parents were stuck in Ukraine. She expressed her sadness to fans: "It’s heartbreaking hearing my mother in law crying this morning, afraid and there absolutely nothing we can do! Just sad honestly."
She then provided a further update in a later Tweet: "Our parents have been told to go outside and to switch off water and gas! They have no possibility to get to the Polish border #Ukraine"
Motsi has also said that she is keeping the people of Ukraine in her thoughts, and has also shared warnings about the 'tremendous amount of misinformation and repurposed video footage being passed around'. Posting on Instagram, Motsi shared an image of the Ukrainian flag, with the caption: "This breaks my heart. Pray for people of Ukraine and the world."
Fans and followers of Motsi have sent messages of hope and support to the talented dancer and her family, with some understanding how she feels. Dovile Connor said: "As Lithuanian who lived thru (sic) events of 1990s I emphasise with your family.
"I know how it feels to be pulled out of school, see the tanks, no water, no heat, wave father goodbye who is going to defend the freedom barehanded. Lithuania stands with Ukraine in these difficult times."
Meanwhile, Samantha Rees said: "I'm the same. Absolutely terrified for them.
"My Ukrainian family looks like they have no chance of getting to Polish border now."
For the latest updates on the situation in Ukraine, you can read our liveblog by clicking here.
