A sobbing mum explains why her 11-year-old boy fled Ukraine on his own, with just a passport, a note from a friend and a telephone number written on the back of his hand. Watch below:
Her son, Hasan, travelled more than 750 miles to the Slovakia border, where Russian troops attacked a nearby power plant.
After escaping on his own, officials read the note and rang the number written on his hand.
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Thankfully they were able to arrange for his loved ones in Bratislava to pick him up.
Officials were said to have offered him warm food and drink, to which they later payed tribute to his 'smile, fearlessness and determination'.
His relieved mother, Julia Pisecka Volodymyrivna, explained how she was forced to stay behind to look after a sick family member.
She said: “I am a widow and I have more children.
“I want to thank the Slovak customs and volunteers who took care of my son and helped him cross the border.
“I am grateful you have saved my child’s life. Next to my town is a nuclear power plant that the Russians are shooting at.
“I couldn’t leave my mother, she can’t move on her own.”
Julia then paid tribute to Slovakia, saying: “People with a big heart live in your small country.”
The Sun reports that, last night, Hasan’s siblings had also made it to the border.
The Slovakia Interior Ministry said: “The whole world has been touched by the story of this 11-year-old boy.
"He fled the war all by himself. His mum had to stay with her mum, who is immobile.
“Many took care of the boy, including police, soldiers, customs officers, volunteers and various religious or civilian organisations.
“The boy was provided with transport to Bratislava to see his family.”
They added: “He is the biggest hero. With one plastic bag, a passport and a telephone number written on his hand, he came all alone because his mum had to stay.
“He won over all the volunteers at the border.
"Thanks to the number on his hand and a piece of paper in his waist, he managed to contact his loved ones, who later came for him.
“The whole story ended well.”
Eduard Filo, of the Association of Christian Youth Communities which is helping Hasan’s family, said: “We’re looking for ways to get his mum and his disabled grandmother to safety. Hasan and his siblings are safe in Slovakia.
“He is staying in the prayers for all the families affected by this war and wishing all the people helping a lot of strength and love.”
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.
Anish Vij