EXCLUSIVE: Ukrainian journalist forced to flee home just months after covering Cop26 in Glasgow
This morning we are speaking exclusively to a journalist from Ukraine, who has been forced to flee from her home, just months after coming to Glasgow to report on Cop26.
Last updated 1st Mar 2022
A Ukrainian journalist is exclusively telling MFR of her ordeal after having had to flee her home in Kiev, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Just a few months ago Anastasiia Zagoruichyk was in Glasgow to report on Cop26.
But in the last few days she's been forced to leave home to escape the threat of the Russian invasion, making the painful decision to leave friends and family behind.
She tells us that she received a call in the early hours of Monday morning from a friend telling her it was time to flee.
She told us: "My family, my parents and brother with his family and one year old child, they are still in Kyiv.
"Near is a military airport and it's a strategic object for Russians to attack.
"I'm not scared about myself right now, because I'm in relative safety, but I am thinking about what to do with my family.
"My friends are still in Kyiv, they're fighting there, they are making Molotov cocktails. they are mobilising all their forces."
Anastasiia had signed up to be part of the military reserves, and had taken on training in how to provide medical support, as have many Ukrainians.
She believes their fighting spirit has played a major role in fighting back against the invasion, saying:
"Our spirit is stronger than ever, and our army is so motivated."
The environmental journalist described having to drive through cities plunged into darkness.
The Government has encouraged people to turn their lights out at night to make it harder for populated areas to be spotted from the air.
The situation is taking its toll on Anastasiia, she said:
"You don't want to eat, you don't want to sleep, you just want to keep moving.
"It's horrible, you are on adrenaline in your blood.
"I wasn't ready, so my luggage was empty, I just grabbed the essential things, all the while calling my family and brother because they live far from eachother."
Anastasiia and many other Ukrainians are holding out for a peaceful resolution.
She admits a major worry is the prospect of Belarus joining the invasion, as many Ukrainians have fled to the area along the border there, meaning they'd face danger.