Ukrainian refugees read messages of support from kind-hearted Sun readers

THE brave people of Ukraine are in the thoughts and hearts of the world.

Hundreds of Sun on Sunday readers have emailed us with words of love and support.

8

8

8

Today, in the second of our special Messages To Ukraine supplements, we publish more.

We deliver some of them ­– translated into Ukrainian – to refugees in Lviv.

---

Donate here to help Sun’s fund

---

Your messages this week include schoolkids telling Ukraine’s 1.5m child refugees: “We are sending you our love.”

A descendant of a Holocaust survivor says: “Evil shall not prevail.”

And one reader summed up the feeling of millions, telling Ukrainians: “You are all lions.

• Email your own message to [email protected].

TO all the very brave people in Ukraine, you are in everyone’s hearts and thoughts. We pray that this war will end soon and those who want to return to Ukraine do so. We will keep a candle burning for you all.

IAN AND SUE HARDY, Margate, Kent

EVERY day I read in The Sun of mad Vlad Putin’s invaders’ brutalities – killing civilians, destroying your land and property, which is heartbreaking As a father of two, every time I read that Putin’s invaders are killing little children, I cannot hold my tears. In this time of crisis, our love and prayers will be with you. The world is praying for your victory and they are with you. Every day, Ukrainian fighters make us proud of you. You should be proud of your President Volodymyr Zelensky, who opened the whole world’s eyes towards humanity. I’m sure soon this child-killer, mad Vlad Putin, will be thrown in the dustbin of human history. Stay brave guys, we all are with you. Your victory is our victory and humanity’s victory. And I must say thank you to The Sun on Sunday for opening a little window to express our feelings for all our war-torn Ukrainian friends.

SAMUEL FAROOQ, Tooting, South London

I’M sending love and support to the people of Ukraine. I cannot begin to imagine what life must be like at the moment for you all. You have support from the whole of the UK. I hope you stay safe.

JANET FARLINE, Sunderland

I CAN’T even imagine how you must be feeling. Please know that there are millions in the world who hold you in their hearts. We feel totally helpless, but we’re sending love and peace.

MADELINE STORY, Morpeth, Northum

PEOPLE of Ukraine, we send you our love, and we will continue to support you as long as you want us to. We will provide you and your families with food, water, clothes and places to live. There is a story in the Bible about David and Goliath, who was very tall and strong and everyone was frightened of him. In this case, David is Ukraine and Goliath is the Russian army. But David, with a single slingshot, killed Goliath. In other words, you can be very small with hearts that are very strong, and as long as you stick together, you will overcome the Russian soldiers and win. SLAVA UKRAINI.

MALCOLM REID, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan

ENGLAND and the world are thinking of you. Keep fighting, keep safe and stay strong. I wish we could do more to stop this madman. You are all lions. Our thoughts and love to you all.

IAN PEARSON and family, Bellingdon, Bucks

YOU are NOT alone! You are an inspiration to the world. Evil shall not prevail. My parents were Holocaust survivors who lost family members in Auschwitz, including my four-year-old sister. I am the first generation of my family born in America. I was always taught kindness and compassion for those oppressed anywhere. Now my heart continually aches for the people of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!

CYNTHIA BELLAVANCE, Galloway Township, New Jersey, USA

THIS is a time to be brave and fear not for yourself but fear only for the loss of freedom. It is a time for world leaders to step up and for humanity to stand together. It is also a time for the world’s population to express themselves by marching worldwide.

CHRIS HURST, Sevenoaks, Kent

MY heart goes out to the people of Ukraine. I wish I could wrap you up in the biggest hug and take away your pain. But I can’t. I have a 15-week-old granddaughter, Lucy, and was a nursery nurse for 25 years. So when I hear of the bombings of hospitals, nurseries and schools and the deaths of innocent children, my heart is ripped in two. I pray that your men and women fighting for their country will be safe, and families will soon be, once again, wrapped in love. STAY STRONG. BELIEVE.

SUE GILLOTT, Rotherham

THINKING of you all out there. We hope that freedom prevails.

DENISE HONEYMAN, Hythe, Kent

WE are thinking of you, Ukraine. Our hearts are sad. We will light a candle for you.

PHAEDON ANASTASIADES, Athens, Greece

THE people of Ukraine, stand proud. You have weathered the storm so far and given Russia a bloody nose, much to the annoyance of Putin and his cronies. The world stands behind you and, in time, Russia will pay for their crime. The Ukrainian president is the equivalent of Churchill. Staying on the front line, he is an inspiration to the world. Your people have something a lot of countries lack – they are proud of their country and are willing to fight foreign aggression, no questions asked. Long live Ukraine and glory stay with you.

---

Thank you, Britain. We’re not alone

FLEEING Ukraine’s blood-soaked front line, Anya Lobanova gazes at our readers’ kind words and tears roll down her cheeks.

A day earlier Anya and her children Milana, six, and Danulo, 12, ran for their lives from war-ravaged Kharkiv in northern Ukraine.

8

8

8

8

The nail-bar worker, 34, said: “My city is being destroyed. The children were so afraid the Russian soldiers would kill them.”

It was words of comfort from strangers 2,000 miles away that finally had brought raw emotion to the surface.

After reading The Sun on Sunday readers’ messages of support, translated into Ukrainian, Anya said: “It’s lovely that people in Britain are thinking of us.”

And it was the poignant sentiments of Lucie Mountain which proved so emotional for Anya.

Lucie, from Market Rasen, Lincs, wrote: “These times are dark, but you will come back stronger and more beautiful. You are not in this alone. The world salutes you, Ukraine.”

It is heartbreaking to watch this brave woman weep before her children as she heads towards an uncertain future.

The refugee, whose husband Andrij, 34, has stayed to defend his homeland, said: “Lucie’s words meant so much. She’s right. From the darkness of this war we must find hope.”

In teeming Lviv train station in western Ukraine, Anya and her kids are waiting for a bus to the Polish border and then Germany.

She said: “We had a nice home in Kharkiv, with great family and friends.

“Now we’re starting a completely new life with only what we could fit into a small bag. The children had to leave their toys behind.”

Anya reads each message as volunteers serve her young family chicken and buckwheat as they prepare for their onward passage.

They are part of one of the biggest mass movements of people in history.

More than three million people have fled Ukraine with the savage invasion now in its fourth week.

IT worker Veronika Gergel, 28, cradles three-year-old son Mark as they read our readers’ words.

Telling of living under siege in the capital Kyiv, Veronika said: “Since the war started we’ve been hiding from bombs in a corridor of my flat or the basement.

‘We just want to go home’

“When we heard explosions I covered Mark with a blanket and let him watch cartoons on a mobile phone to relax.

The fear has changed his behaviour. Now he just wants to eat sweets and not proper meals.

Alongside sister Lesia, 22, also an IT worker, she reads through readers’ heartfelt words.

She is struck by a message from Pauline Tait, of Blairgowrie, Perthshire, who wrote: “As our hearts weep, we are in awe of your courage and your bravery.

“As we sit, eyes glued to the TV, know the world is with you. As we wait, with bated breath, know our hearts embrace you.”

Veronika added: “It’s kind that people are thinking of us. Thank you for your support.”

On the next row of seats at this chaotic terminus are 11 members of the Gorobets family extending over four generations.

Matriarch Nina Gorobets, 64, nods in approval as she reads the words of Jay Rai.

The reader, from Battersea, South London, said: “As one woman to another, you are my heroes.”

The great-grandmother said in return: “I’m so happy people believe in us and that we haven’t been forgotten by the outside world.”

Nina’s daughter Sveta Vershunina, 44, bounces seven-year-old son Vladislav on her knees as she reads the touching comments.

The mum of two said: “These messages are written by kind and good people.”

Sveta’s daughter Oleksandra Vershunina, 24, said: “The messages show others are with us.”

Svitlana Kuznietsova, 51, and grandson Timur, three, have fled Kharkiv, the scene of some of the most brutal fighting.

The shoemaker’s lips purse with emotion as she reads the words of Barbara Pickstock, from Cheltenham: “The pain you feel today will be the strength you feel tomorrow.”

The divorcee added: “We are heading to Poland with just my documents and a change of clothes. It’s awful to be made a refugee by war. We just want to go home.”

---

PAUL DUNFORD, London

THE whole world has you in their thoughts. With the information blackouts, many Russian people don’t have that privilege.

LINDA LEWIS-RANWELL, Sevenoaks, Kent

I WATCH the news on the TV and I just can’t believe what is going on in your lovely country of Ukraine. As a mother and a grandmother, my heart is just breaking for you all. I wish all the tears I’ve cried for you would help because it’s all I can do. I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts. May peace come to you all.

VIOLET CAMPBELL, Kidderminster, Worcs

THIS is horrendous and I can’t believe it is happening. Have we not learned anything from history? My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine. Stay strong and we will support you as much as we can.

TRACEY THOMPSON, Jarrow, South Tyneside

WE are all behind you and against evil Putin. All our thoughts are with you all and we hope Putin gets all that’s coming to him.

DAVE CLAXTON, Newbury, Berks

THE Ukrainian people have my complete support and sympathy for the situation with which they are faced. The courage of all Ukrainians in standing up to a ruthless invader is amazing. Each day I am distressed by news bulletins when I see the horrific war crimes committed. I cried when I heard about the maternity hospital being bombed. I pray for all Ukrainians daily in the hope that peace may prevail. I also pray that refugees who wish to come to the UK are able to do so as soon as possible.

ALYSON GROOM, Crosthwaite, Cumbria

IT breaks my heart to see the news coming out of Ukraine. I have a young cousin and so the images of children being injured is particularly distressing. The thought of her being in that situation is heartbreaking. Their resilience is so inspiring. I’m sending love and support their way.

JULIET COOPER, Thurleigh, Beds

BEING a mother and seeing all the children suffering in such awful conditions is so hard to comprehend. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for everyone in Ukraine.

LYNN MANSFIELD, Colchester, Essex

THE innocent, brave people of Ukraine have our full support. They are resisting invasion by a bullying Russian leader who is misleading his own people.

ALAN WILLIAMS Huntingdon, Cambs

I WISH more could be done to help the people of Ukraine. I can’t begin to imagine what they are going through. It’s unbearable to watch. I just hope this comes to an end soon.

BOBBIE KELLY, South Shields, South Tyneside

MY heart goes out to the Ukrainian people. Putin deserves a death sentence from the International Criminal Court for ordering his army to attack innocent civilians without any justification.

HESTER PRENTICE, Bournemouth

AFTER Ukraine, who’s next? My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people who are bravely fighting on despite the odds.

ALLAN BIRCHALL, Kettering, Northants

I CAN’T believe my eyes when I see what is happening on the news. The pain being inflicted on these innocent men, women and children is so disgusting. It’s difficult not to feel helpless. But we need to support these victims of war as much as we possibly and humanly can.

OLIVIA POWELL, Jarrow, South Tyneside

THE news breaks my heart. The people of Ukraine must stay strong. The world is with them and praying for them.

FRANCES HART, Oldham, Lancs

STAY strong my fellow Europeans. We stand shoulder to shoulder with you all. We will beat this horrible man. Big warm hugs to you all. I, for one, would take in a child from Ukraine, give them a warm bed and lots of cuddles. God bless you all.

RUTH DYSON, Market Drayton, Shrops

I CAN’T imagine what the people of Ukraine are going through. Seeing families being torn apart and people losing their lives is horrific. I hope this ends soon and they can start to rebuild in some way.

NICOLA HANCOCK, South Shields, South Tyneside

UKRAINE, you don’t deserve this. Stay strong and stick together. #staysafe. The world can see what’s happening and the cogs are in motion to end this evil. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I applaud your spirit and determination. #heartbreaking.

IAN WOOD, Stourbridge, West Mids

THIS needless war in Ukraine is appalling. My heart goes out to the courageous people who are fighting for their rights and freedom against a barbaric and ruthless Russian invasion. The images we all see on television are abhorrent and heart-wrenching. What a brave nation they truly are. Refugees who make it to the UK would be very welcome in my home.

SUSAN WILLIAMS, Colwyn Bay, North Wales

TO all you brave Ukrainians, some of you will die fighting for your homeland, but let it be known – GOOD will always win through. There will come a time when your lovely country will be rebuilt and you will all be happy again and the tyrant locked in hell. God save you all.

JOHN WALKER, Retford, Notts

IT is like a scene from Lord Of The Rings – only it’s real. This is a nation dwarfed by its neighbour with only courage for a comrade. I salute them. They are an example to the free world.

EDWARD BARFORD, Freshfield, Merseyside

I JUST want everyone to live in peace.

PEGGY GOOD, Sevenoaks, Kent

I WILL be growing sunflowers in my garden and raising money for Ukraine from people visiting. As a mother, my heart goes out to you all in Ukraine.

JULIE GRAY, Plymouth

WAR crimes are being carried out in front of our faces and it’s heartbreaking to watch. What’s happening now is bad enough, but the terrifying thought is, “Where will this all end?” Putin needs to be stopped for all our sakes. Volodymyr Zelensky is a hero of our time.

ANTHONY ELLIOTT, South Shields, South Tyneside

MY heart is with you in Ukraine. To the babies, the children, the women who are so strong and to the men bravely fighting for freedom, we are with you. We stand with you. We will continue to help you all in every way we can. Ukraine, you are our family.

DAWN BUTLER, Stockton-on-Tees

WE are seeing the best and the worst in people at this time. The Ukrainians are showing us the very best in human nature and endurance, and Putin is showing us just how low humans can go. Western governments are somewhere in between a rock and a hard place, so we must do all we can to help the refugee women and children – there are no men as they are staying in Ukraine to fight or die.

DIANA GRAHAM, Southport, Merseyside

MY heart breaks for my brothers and sisters. We all just want peace. War is a losing battle from the start. From the second there are casualties, we can’t say it can still be won. There should be no more gambling with people’s lives, no more excuses for the sacrifices they are forced to make. I only hope that one day all of this will be behind us and humanity will find a way of living together as one.

ANDRINA PIJAVCIKAITE, Newcastle upon Tyne (originally from Lithuania)

TO all the beautiful Ukrainian people, we stand shoulder to shoulder with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless you.

SUSAN HUGHES, Birmingham

MY thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Ukrainian public during this desperate time. It’s unthinkable that a crisis like this could ever happen again after World War Two, but our support is needed now more than ever.

WILL ROBERTS, Tooting, South London

I’M horrified that these poor people could face a chemical weapons attack, after they have fought so bravely. Putin must be put on trial for war crimes – nobody should get away with such atrocities against innocent people.

WILL DANIELS, North Shields, North Tyneside

I WANT to express my solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people, especially the women and children who are fleeing the country that they love, with no idea when they will be able to make it back home or see their husbands, brothers, fathers and friends again. It is hard to believe that, once again, across Europe millions of refugees are fleeing tyranny.

EMILY MANSELL, Sydenham, South East London

I HOPE this is over soon and those poor people can start to rebuild their lives somehow. Their pain and suffering is unbearable to watch. I wish there was something more we could do for them.

ELISE WIEGMANN, South Shields, South Tyneside

WE stand by Ukraine as they fight the Russians invading their country. The plight of the thousands of people fleeing the country to find safety is heartbreaking. Families are being torn apart and are having to leave everything they own. They are carrying just a few vital items in a bag or small case and it is unbelievable. The Ukrainian people need all the help we are able to give to survive this evil war.

ROSEMARY SHAWCROFT, Southport, Merseyside

MY admiration for the people of Ukraine has been growing consistently since the beginning of this conflict. Your resilience and courage inspires awe in all of us. As Europeans, we often live under the presumption of safety because of the actions of our governments, but now is the time to recognise that imperialism and national aggression can never be tolerated and must be opposed.

DALE PHELAN, Newcastle upon Tyne

TO all the Ukrainians defending your country, we support and admire your sheer strength, determination and bravery in protecting what is yours and yours alone. You will not be defeated. Your entire country has the support of us all. To all those refugees who have had to leave their lives behind, stay safe please, find peace wherever you are. Your country will be rebuilt and you will not be alone in doing this. You have the support of many. We could not be more proud of all the citizens of Ukraine. Much love to all of you.

ANITA WAUGH, Poole, Dorset

KICKED out of the football and by all the banks, Putin is crazy, attacking with all his tanks. The Ukrainians are heroes, standing against Putin’s might, as the bombs rain down throughout the day and throughout the night. Putin is pure evil, leaving a scar across Ukraine. Taking so many lives and causing so much pain. The death toll rises – Polina, I believe, she was only ten, shot by the Russian cowards, who you can’t refer to as men. Men, women and children littered across the floor, while Vladimir Putin, just wants to bomb some more. We will not forget, Putin just does not care. And with any luck, he will soon be facing his own nightmare.

PAUL HACKETT, Redruth, Cornwall

8

I CAN’T begin to imagine what the Ukrainian people are going through. I hope the whole world is generous in opening up their doors to those fleeing their homes.

ANNA SMITH, Long Beach, Los Angeles

IT breaks my heart to see families fleeing while under attack. They have no choice but to put their lives at risk because they’re stuck in a war zone through no fault of their own. Every time I watch the news, I just want to reach out and protect them.

JANET SARGANT, Wallsend, North Tyneside

OUR hearts and thoughts are with all of you. We support you in any way we can.

YOLANDA RAY, Croydon, Surrey

AS the whole world watches this barbaric invasion of Ukraine’s cities and innocent civilians, the heroism of your country and people is absolutely incredible. You all should be so proud of yourselves in the face of destruction and death for your determination to stand up to the bullies who think they can destroy lives. You’re all so brave. The United Kingdom stands by you. And Volodymyr Zelensky, what a true leader you are. Your bravery to stand solid beside your people is outstanding. You are a hero!! GLORY TO UKRAINE.

CHANTELLE THEAKER, Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside

YOU’RE not alone. Even though we are thousands of miles apart, you’re in all our hearts. Our support, our prayers, our thoughts every minute of every day. Your bravery to fight for your beautiful country and what you truly believe in has blown us all away. Our love and support go out to each and every one of you from all the people of Britain. Long live your people, your country. Long live Ukraine.

LISA WILLIS, Locks Heath, Hants

I STAND with the amazing people of Ukraine. You have shown us all you are not quitters. You truly are amazing. Ukraine, we are here for you.

DONNA O’SULLIVAN, Hadleigh, Suffolk

WATCHING as the events unfold in Ukraine has sickened me and my family. I can’t stop thinking about what people are going through on the other side of Europe. As we go about our normal days, they are scared for their lives. This is the time for people to stand up and prevent an unhinged, power-hungry dictator from deciding the fate of other countries.

SARAH ATKINSON, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside

TO the brave people of Ukraine, you may feel alone through these terrible times, but you are not. The world is behind you and is feeling your pain. You are all an inspiration. Your courage, resilience and ability to pull together are attributes the world can learn from. Please stay strong as you will overcome this evil. May God be with you, my Ukranian friends. Keep going, you will prevail! All the love in the world. We in the UK are behind you.

MATT DAVIS, Bristol

THE world is watching and you are not alone. Stay strong, keep your chin up and be sure that you’ll be there to watch your attackers face justice. Long live Ukraine.

CALVIN ROGERS, KELLY EVANS, HOLLY LEWIS, OSCAR ROGERS, Bridgend, South Wales

MY heart is breaking for the people of Ukraine and most of all the children, who must be so confused and scared. I’m collecting colouring books and pens to send over to give them a bit of normality and take their focus away from the horror unfolding around them. I pray for peace.

JANE WHEATLEY, Hebburn, South Tyneside

TO the people of Ukraine, words cannot begin to describe what you must be going through. While the world watches the horror unfold, your bravery, courage, comradery and dedication to your country is inspiring. Zelensky is showing what a heroic leader he is. I wish there was more I could do. Please stay safe, keep fighting for what you believe in and the evil of Putin will be defeated.

KATE RICHARDS, Nottingham

GLORY to Ukraine! I am deeply saddened and angry about what is happening to your country. I’m sorry too for our government’s poor response to the visa entry situation. I hope peace comes soon. In the meantime, stay strong. The Allies are on your side. Victory to Ukraine!

KEV BILLINGTON, Southampton

BEING a nurse myself and seeing the hospitals being targeted is such a horrific sight. I can’t imagine going to work while in the midst of a war. Sending all my love and support.

AMY MANSFIELD, Colchester, Essex

TO the people of Ukraine, how very brave and resilient you are. I didn’t know a lot about Ukraine before this war, but from now I will think of you all as heroes and a nation that stood strong. Sending love, prayers and thoughts.

JENNIFER MAGUIRE, Manchester

WHEN you’re weary, Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I’ll dry them all
I’m on your side, Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found… (Simon and Garfunkel)

MADELEN LANGENES, Norway

EVERY day, we should love, support and respect each other… not just in times of war. We stand together today and always. Our love and support will always be with you.

NINA DHILLON, Ashford, Kent

TO the strong, brave people of Ukraine, we stand with you. We will do whatever we can to help and support you. You are not alone, you are in our hearts and minds always. We pray for your safety.

WENDI WITTON, Brighton

DEAR friends of Ukraine, I wish you well. Words fail me thinking about what you’re going through. You have a strong leader and President. Keep safe, bless you all.

ELAYNE WORTHY, Wigston, Leics

WE stand with you, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

DOT DONOVAN, Welling, Kent

I AM just totally in awe and even more gobsmacked by this war. I have never in my life seen or heard of such unity and bravery in these modern times as that of Ukraine. My heart truly aches for your losses and the devastation that is happening all around you. Yet, in the face of such a huge enemy as Russia, you have stood tall and strong.
I salute you all and your incredible leaders. It’s time for Nato, Europe, the USA and all alliances to stand with you and put an end to this needless war. You will succeed and win this terrible act of atrocity, Ukraine.

GRANT SMITH, Annan, Dumfries and Galloway

ALL my love goes out to all the brave people of Ukraine. You are an inspiration to the whole world for your courage and bravery. Keep strong, and remember, good will always win over evil and you will rebuild your country again and return to your beloved homeland.

JULIE BARNES-TAYLOR, Oswestry, Shrops

PUTIN thought the Ukrainian people would just roll over. Well, they are showing that madman they will fight for their freedom. Glory to Ukraine.

PHILIP MILLER, Wigan

WELL done to President Zelensky for standing up to Putin. He should be given a knighthood for looking after his country.

STEPHEN TURNER, Aylesbury, Bucks

EVERYBODY is thinking about you all, and I believe we could all learn from the Ukrainian people and their courage, strength and humanity. I am 100 per cent behind you. God be with you all.

DAVID SCOTT, Morecambe, Lancs

WHO would have thought that in the 21st century someone like Putin would exist? I’m so sorry Ukrainians have to suffer because of him.
SARAH WATSON, North London

THIS is an outrageous situation, with a decent nation being massacred indiscriminately just to serve one man’s ego. We have to all help in whatever way we can. Maybe a pause for thought will make us realise what really matters, and what doesn’t, in our sometimes privileged and overly self-important lives here. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people.

PAUL MONKHOUSE, Lindfield, West Sussex

MY heart bleeds for you. Everybody is praying for you. Our thoughts are with you, from getting up until going to bed. Stay strong, you brave people. We are with you.

ROSALYN LANGLEY, Shildon, Co Durham

THOUGHTS and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Life is throwing many obstacles in your way. Your strength will see you through to where happiness awaits.

VIOLA BURKE, Sale, Gtr Manchester

MY heart is breaking for Ukrainians. You are the most amazing people I have ever met. All my love and thoughts are with you. You are so strong and your children are so brave. God bless you.

BETH HARRIS, Southampton

COURAGE friends, have faith in God. Remember he has the last word in all this.

ANDREW COFFEY, Southwold, Suffolk

YOU are in our hearts every day that passes. Sending love to you all. The people from the Highlands of Scotland are thinking about you and praying for peace.

LORRAINE INNES, Inverness

SENDING love and support to everyone in Ukraine from myself and all my colleagues at the Simonside branch of Tesco. We are deeply saddened by everything that is going on and will support you as much as we can. You are always in our thoughts. Stay strong.

EMMA HAMED, South Shields, South Tyneside

LYING here in my warm, cosy bedroom I find it hard to believe the poor people in Ukraine are suffering unimaginable horror. I know nothing of politics so can someone please explain why we – UK, the US and other countries – cannot step in to stop that tyrant, Putin. We will help you all we can, people of Ukraine.

PATRICIA OTTO-LANGUI, Tower Hamlets, East London

MY heart breaks to see all the suffering you are going through – the unbelievable decisions you are having to make to keep your families safe. I find it hard to watch the pain and suffering that is being inflicted on you all. Please, please know that although we can’t do anything to help we are with you all in heart – praying for the end to this horrible war that is causing pain, loss and destruction to so many. Know we stand with the people of Ukraine. Stay strong!

NICOLA LOUIS, Leicester

THE West and the rest of the world love you, and wish we could do more. We are all aware of the disgusting atrocities Putin and his regime have rained on you and he and his regime WILL be held accountable. Love from

SHONA BERRY, Paisley, Renfrewshire

WORDS cannot express how sad we are to hear of your beautiful country’s war. Know that we are all sending our support, hope and prayers at this very difficult time. We hope our donations reach you and that you find comfort in knowing we are thinking of you every hour, every day. Love from

MAZIE, ESMEE and Nellie, Clevedon, North Somerset

WE are sending our love and support to you all in Ukraine. Our hearts are with you. Love

ROBIN, McKENZIE, BAILEY & SULLIVAN, Shirehampton, Bristol

I AM so sorry this war is happening to your country. I don’t understand why Russia is killing Ukrainian people. No one will win this war but me and my family want to send our love and prayers to you all. It is just so sad that all we can do is send love and support. You all need more help over there. We are thinking of you. Stay strong, people and try to stay safe. With all our love

THE SMITH FAMILY, South Yorkshire

UKRAINE, my heart hurts for you all. I ache with tears at every picture and news of another death and devastation in your homes. Every night I ask the higher powers to protect you and all your families. I send you so much love and strength. Light will overcome darkness. I pray to the gods for love and calmness to surround you all. From my heart to yours, we stand by your side.

PIPPA FLETCHER, The Wirral

OUR hearts go out to the Ukraine people and those who have become warriors fighting for your homeland. When we are in our warm beds at night, we pray for you that this horrible war ends soon and you can return to your beautiful land and loved ones. Glory to Ukraine and your brave President.

STEPHEN AND BRENDA SMITH, Brooklands, Manchester

WE send all our love and support to everybody in the Ukraine. Our love is always with you.

JASMINE, SAM, ESMEE and NELLIE, Banwell, North Somerset

YOU are in our thoughts and our hearts go out to you. We all stand by you. You are so brave. My family and I are doing what we can to help. Stay safe.

THE CLARKE FAMILY, By email

TO all of you in Ukraine I am so deeply sorry for what is happening in your country. I am so sorry for those who have had to leave and to those who have stayed. Your courage is something to behold. I wish I had money or homes that I could help you with, but unfortunately I don’t. One thing I do see is that the normal people of this world are helping with donations or giving their time to help with the refugees and the people still in Ukraine. I will not forgive the politicians of this world for allowing this to go on.

TANIA THOMPSON, By email

I CAN’T believe what is happening to you and your country. I am a mother and grandmother and my heart breaks for you and your families. I pray Putin and his accomplices stop or are stopped as soon as possible. I pray for you to be safe, warm and well fed.

CARRIE PARKER, By email

YOU have displayed the most courage I have witnessed in my lifetime. We cry for you and your children when we see the horrors unleashed on you. I am so, so sorry we do not help you more with the fight. But we are praying for you every day and please stay as strong as you can. With all the love in the world to you and your families.

MIKE BASSETT, By email

I AM desperately sorry for this terrible invasion and the evil deeds of a madman upon your country. Your courage is awe-inspiring and I pray this will end as soon as possible. Love and prayers.

CLARE COOPER, By email

IT is heartbreaking to see what you are having to endure. Be strong and brave. Believe that we support you with all our hearts. You are blessed to have such a strong leader in Volodymyr Zelensky. My admiration for him is endless.

RUTH QUATREMAIN, By email

TO the beautiful spirits of Ukraine, we look on from afar but are horrified by the actions of a cruel monster who has destroyed your beautiful country. But, like the lady with the sunflower in her pocket, the beauty will grow again and stronger. God bless you all.

KAREN MORGAN, By email