Ukrainian mum living in Norwich overwhelmed by local 'love and support'
Today is Ukraine's 31st independence day and comes six months after Russia's illegal invasion of the country
Last updated 24th Aug 2022
A mum from Ukraine who lives in Norwich says she's been overwhelmed by the love and support of local people towards her country since the start of Russia's invasion, six months ago.
The grim milestone coincides with the 31st Ukrainian independence day and means many will be commemorating the day in Norfolk and across the country.
"There was a massive response from local people"
Natalia Scott is from Kyiv and still has family and friends, back home: "Especially during the first two months there was a massive response from local people to become sponsors for Ukrainian refugees.
"To open their homes to strangers and people they have never met in their lives- for people who have different backgrounds, cultures and have language barriers."
She says many of still need help and support: "There are still a lot of people who need to get to shelter. Many homes have been completely destroyed and they are looking to find a new place to stay.
"I want to address more requests for those people here in Norfolk who could possibly open their house to help those who need it, especially women and children."
"I feel a lot happier or as happy as you can be in this situation"
She says the relentless bombing and missile strike- continue to concern her. But she's more optimistic than she was: "I spoke to my daughter the other day and said. do you have a basement in your block of apartments?
"She said, 'no'. So, I said 'what you are doing to protect yourself' and she said, 'oh mum don't worry...I sleep in a hallway during the air-sirens'. That's how she tried to convince me that she is safe and for me not to worry.
"But, how can I not worry knowing that my daughter is sleeping in a hallway.
"Obviously, of course I feel a lot happier or as happy as you can be in this situation because we have seen that we've been able to stabilise the situation and to stop the most of their advances, after they made big strides at the start of the war."