A NORTHWICH mum has been left heartbroken and terrified for family in Ukraine as the country became engulfed in conflict.

Last Thursday, February 24, Russia invaded its southern neighbour on the orders of its president, Vladimir Putin.

In the following days, heavy fighting has broken out in the capital Kyiv while Freedom Square in Ukraine's second city Kharkiv was rocked by a huge explosion.

As of Tuesday (March 1), more than half a million civilians have fled Ukraine seeking refuge across Europe, according to the UN.

Jillian Clayton, a third-generation Ukrainian living in Northwich, still has family there and has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for the Ukrainian people. 

She said: "This last week has been incomprehensible and an incredibly emotional one, not only for myself and my family but for so many others too who like me still have family out there.

Northwich Guardian: Kateryna, aged five, with her dad Anthony Clayton at a protest in Manchester (Jillian Clayton)Kateryna, aged five, with her dad Anthony Clayton at a protest in Manchester (Jillian Clayton)

"My grandmother, at the age of 16, and her younger sister came to England from Ukraine after they were taken from their homes as forced labour during World War II.

"My grandfather fought for the Ukrainian Army and was captured as a prisoner of war and he also came to England after the war.

"They’ve watched their country suffer many tragedies over their lifetime, which makes it all the more heartbreaking to witness what is happening right now. 

"I’m terrified for the family we have in Ukraine. I’m incredibly angry at how one man's warped, deranged and quite frankly despicable vendetta has been allowed to get to this point, but more so than ever I am proud. 

"I am proud of the tremendous strength being shown by the Ukrainian people, the unbelievable bravery being shown by the Ukrainian army and all those that are fighting alongside them, and proud of the courage being shown by the people supporting Ukraine, including the Russian people who are standing up to this monster."

Jillian, her five-year-old daughter Kateryna and her husband Anthony, attended a protest at the weekend in Manchester.

She added: "The protests in London and Manchester have shown me the world is united, which brings me hope, and with hope comes the belief that together we can win.

Northwich Guardian: A burnt car is seen in front of a damaged City Hall building, in Kharkiv (Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP)A burnt car is seen in front of a damaged City Hall building, in Kharkiv (Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP)

"The outpouring of love and support for the Ukrainian people has been unlike anything me and my family have ever experienced and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

"We would like to ask everyone to please continue to spread the word, donate what they can, write to their MPs, attend protests, and support Ukraine. They need the support now more than ever.

"I would finally like to say that we will never give up and it will always be our Ukraine."