'I've never felt more fear in my life': Ukrainian woman living in Highland recalls start of Russian invasion
It's coming up to the two year anniversary since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began
Last updated 23rd Feb 2024
A Ukrainian refugee is describing the terrifying ordeal of Russian military bombing her hometown.
Kateryna Tarasenko was living around 20 miles away from the Russian border when the invasion began in February 2022.
The 24-year-old says she had to hide in a cellar on several occasions to escape bomb attacks.
Now living in Muir of Ord, Ross-shire, Kateryna hopes it'll be safe enough to return home permanently one day but has no idea when that will be.
She is speaking to us ahead of tomorrow's two year anniversary since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.
"I was tense all the time"
Kateryna lived with her parents in a village near Trostyanets, which was under Russian occupation within a few days of the invasion starting.
She said: "The morning of February 24th started for me at around 5am.
"We woke up to the sound of explosions.
"We did not know what to do at that moment, we were under stress."
Kateryna explained how they had to go to a nearby cemetery on several occasions, for underground protection from bombs coming from above.
"Our city was under occupation from the first few days.
"Almost every day we went to the cemetery because planes were flying over us, mostly at night."
"One day our village was shelled, my parents and I were in the cellar.
"Several houses in the village were broken.
"At that moment I was very scared, I have never felt more fear in my life than then.
"This summer I went home for the first time.
"I was tense all the time, because the frequent sirens were very frightening."
Along with her partner, Kateryna decided to flee Ukraine in March 2022 heading first to Poland before coming to Scotland.
They initially lived in Laggan, near Dalwhinnie, before moving to where they currently stay in Muir of Ord.
Although they have been warmly welcomed in Scotland, Kateryna fears how long it will be before they can return home.
She added: "I'm very grateful to Scotland and our sponsors.
"We didn't just get sponsors, we got our second family.
"I really want to go back to Ukraine, but I understand that I can't do this right now.
"I think the situation will continue to be horrible, because people are dying every day.
"I hope that the war in Ukraine will end as soon as possible and we will be able to return home."