We need Britain's help, says woman sheltering in metro as ‘100,000 flee'

A TERRIFIED young woman using Kyiv’s subway as a bomb shelter today pleaded with Britain to send urgent help, as thousands of Ukrainian refugees fled to the border away from Russian troops and tanks.

- Anthony France

Explosions could be heard before dawn as Vladimir Putin’s forces unleashed air strikes on Ukraine’s capital city.

The streets of central Kyiv were deserted this morning, with adults and children crowded into metro stations and bomb shelters in scenes reminiscent of London during the Blitz.

Close to tears, the woman, Kseniia, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme how she and her boy friend had abandoned their home, grabbing only a sleeping bag and basic travel necessities.

After her first night sheltering underground, she told western leaders including Boris Johnson: “Sanctions are good but it’s not enough. We fight for the freedom of the world.”

Kseniia said: “It’s so not okay. To all the people in Great Britain and the world, I just want to say we are here now and we are strong.

“We believe in our country and our army. But whether we are strong or not, we need your support now.

“This war, it’s not about only Ukraine, our independence and safety. We are like shield for you Europe, and you need to understand it. So together, we can prevent and stop this war.”