Ukrainians living across Nottingham expressed concern for family members as they turned out in the city centre to protest over a potential Russian invasion.
More than a dozen activists were present at the Brian Clough statue in King Street to raise awareness of the threat of Russian soldiers, thousands of which are present at Ukraine's border with Russia.
Tensions, both diplomatically and for those living in a potential war zone, are still high - despite Vladimir Putin saying he would withdraw troops.
One protester, Olena Berezhna, a mum-of-two who has recently returned from Ukraine to Nottingham, said the situation in Ukraine at the moment was "very scary".
The 56-year-old, now a cleaner in Sneinton, added: “My son’s girlfriend is a trained nurse and she had to learn how to shoot.
“Can you imagine? A young woman in her 20s not being scared to defend herself if there was a war?
“People in Europe cannot be quiet.
“Ukraine is bleeding and suffering because of one man - Putin.”
Thousands of Ukrainians have already died during the conflict, centred around Crimea and the Donbas, with Russians and Russian-backed separatists since 2014.
The critical situation at the Russian border is currently stopping immigrants from flying home to Ukraine to see their families because they are “too scared”.
Zariana Climence, a Ukrainian who now works as a photographer in Nottingham, added: “We were supposed to fly back to Ukraine last Friday - and we actually went to the airport in Manchester and decided to get back home in the end because it is just too dangerous.”
The 39-year-old, also a mum of two who lives in Carlton, added: “If it was just my husband and I we would have gone anyway, but we were too scared because we had our children with us too.”
She added: “It is inhuman.
“I have friends at the Russian border who said that they are ready to fight.
“They are not scared anymore.”
Earlier on Thursday, February 17, the UK government released a joint statement with Ukraine and Poland.
It read: "The UK and Poland will continue to provide Ukraine with support, standing in unity with Ukraine, in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, and fully committed to stand with Ukrainian nation in its efforts aimed at defending Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders."
Russia has always denied it intends on invading Ukraine.
Ukrainians living in Nottingham are aiming to raise money for an emergency appeal that will provide medical and humanitarian support for millions of vulnerable families should Russia launch an invasion.
To donate to their fundraiser, visit here.
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