Ukrainians in the East Midlands "extremely concerned" for their families back home
Some people have been sending money to Ukrainian troops on the frontline
Members of a Leicester Ukrainian Club and Ukraine nationals across the region are fearing for loved ones back home, as tensions remain high over whether Russia plans to invade.
Russia says that more troops have been called back from being stationed in Crimea, but US President Joe Biden reported that there's some 150,000 soldiers massed on the border.
NATO defence ministers will also convene in Brussels later today, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson held an emergency COBRA meeting yesterday (Tuesday 15).
Both the UK and USA advised British and American nationals to exit Ukraine over the weekend.
With the possibility of what might happen remaining unclear, Ukrainians in Leicester are fearing the worst for their families, and are doing everything they can to support their country.
Wol Wojeich, Secretary of the Leicester Ukrainian Club, said:
"Ukrainians living in the East midlands and Leicester in particular, we're extremely concerned about family and friends and the situation in Ukraine. Many of us still have family and friends who live and work in Ukraine and it's of grave concern to us all as to what may happen.
"I'm very, very worried about this situation, I don't think anybody knows what's going to happen... I think the only person who knows what is really going to happen is Putin himself.
"We are extremely nervous and worried for our family over in Ukraine, but as a community we're doing whatever we possibly can by sending money across to our family members, but also to people in Ukraine, and of course to the soldiers on the frontline.
"I don't think that there will be a mass evacuation, or many Ukrainians wanting to leave. Yes they are concerned, yes they are worried, but I think they will stand steadfast together because Ukraine is their country."