BBC newsreader Clive Myrie shared a devastating message about Ukraine as he was forced to flee Kyiv.
The journalist had been bravely reporting on Russia’s invasion of the country but had to flee the capital as violence and shelling continued to escalate.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, 6 March, Myrie wrote in a two-part post: “It was a long day of driving and queuing to get out of Kyiv. Imagine having to leave all you know in a hurry because you’re being shelled!
“What do you pack? Do pets come too? It’s freezing cold and you pray those in neighbouring countries will welcome you, not despise you!”
He continued: “My thoughts are with the 1million who’ve fled #Ukraine because they might be killed. The millions who fled #syria and many other millions escaping repression, poverty, war.
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“They all pray they’ll be welcomed in other countries as human beings. That’s all they ask.”
Numerous people have taken to the comments section to share their thoughts on the ongoing situation in Ukraine, with one writing: “Heart is breaking for everyone.
“I wish I could do something but stuck in Middle England feeling so ashamed of our government.
“Hugging our dog and girls extra tight every night feeling extraordinarily grateful. But for the grace…”
A second said: “Just imagine standing in your home deciding what is important to carry with you.
“Paperwork, money, clothes, water, meds - basic needs for identity/warmth/wellbeing. Then closing your door & stepping into the unknown.”
Others were critical of the UK government, which was accused by French interior minister Gérald Darmanin of showing a ‘lack of humanity’ when it comes to helping Ukrainian refugees.
One commenter wrote on Twitter: “It seems the UK won’t - even if you’ve already been living here,” sharing a story about a mother who travelled 2000 miles to save her daughter from the UK to Ukraine, only to be turned away when she reached Calais.
Another said: “Shame on Dominic Raab for suggesting that a more generous refugee policy for #Ukraine would ‘undermine’ public support for refugees.
“Government is dragging its feet, doing far less than EU, & sponsored humanitarian route still isn’t up & running yet.”
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information.