" A piece of my soul shattered." - Gut wrenching testimonies given at the Stand With Ukraine Protest

Four Ukrainian Sheffielders shared their gut-wrenching testimonies at yesterday’s Stand with Ukraine Protest in light of the Russian invasion .

During the interview, the protestors shared their fears about family members being left behind in Ukraine, the killings of women and children, and the inaction of the UK government amidst heightening conflict.

Lena Mandrik, 38, a researcher from Kyiv said: "I'm stunned every time I talk to them, even if it's just five minutes ago, I am still not sure if they are okay."

My dad is 84 years old he can't leave his flat or seek shelter at the basement because when walking six floors down, he can be bombed it's awful for vulnerable people."

Ukrainian students studying at Sheffield were also heavily affected by the Russian invasion.

Vitalli Katyuk, 20, he said: "I haven't slept in two days, because I know that I need to stay awake because if bombings are happening in the city I need to call them, wake them up and get them to safety I'm just twenty."

The worst thing for me is that the best people, the best lives are taken by war. It's horrible. It needs to end."

Maria Luna Freya, 22, from Kyiv, painted a stark image of the situation in Ukraine.

She said: "People are fighting the enemy with their bare arms, they are risking their lives not only to defend their homes but the evil that is upon us.“

Putin will not stop at Ukraine, we need to stop them there if not this can happen to other countries as well.

“A piece of my soul shattered, my heart bleeds for my country."

There are ongoing debates on what measures should be taken by the UK government to support Ukrainian refugees.

A spokesperson for Amnesty International said: "We have to tell the government that we have a right to take refugees because they have a right to be here."

Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed,49, said: "We will argue with the British government we are a city of the sanctuary, which says to people when you are in hard times we show you compassion Ukraine needs us as a city we will welcome you."