A Ukrainian woman living in Ireland for 20 years has said that they have received "amazing" support from Irish people since her homeland was invaded by Russia.
Speaking to Dublin Live, Kate Kolva said that the war in Ukraine which has killed dozens and displaced hundreds of thousands is "like a horror film."
She said: "It is surreal, I cannot describe it. I have so many Irish colleagues and friends asking 'how are you Kate, how can we help?
The images of the war are everywhere, in the newspapers, on Facebook and YouTube, they are just horrendous. It's like a horror film."
Kate's family and many of her friends are currently in Ukraine hiding in basements in fear of the constant attacks from the Russian army.
She said: "I tried to contact them every hour but it's hard because from time to time for the last two days they are spending their time in a basement because the sirens are constantly going and the bombing is on.
"So I am just praying and texting and it is very difficult at the moment to get them because they are hiding in the basement."
Kate welcomed Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney's pledge for Ireland to take in 20,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.
She said: "Thanks very much Minister we do appreciate all your help. As I've said, all my Irish colleagues and friends are so supportive to myself, my family and my friends, and we really appreciate it guys. Irish people are amazing."
Meanwhile, Kate described how the war in Ukraine has also changed Ireland as a nation.
She said: "I was saying to one of my friends in Ukraine she is a volunteer and helping the Ukrainian army, and I was saying that Irish people woke up to a different nation as well as Ukrainians.
"You guys just don't believe how grateful Ukrainians are to you, your European Union, the USA. The whole world stands with Ukraine and we are so thankful for that."
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