Ukraine war: 'The country still needs aid'

David Gaston says Ukraine is in a 'much worse' state than ever before

A former head teacher who has delivered aid to Ukraine said he thinks things in the country are worse than they have ever been.

David Gaston, 60, from Peterchurch, Herefordshire has travelled to the country more than 30 times and has urged people to "do something" for the country.

War between Ukraine and Russia broke out in February 2022 and Mr Gaston said he wanted to remind people the conflict is ongoing.

He said people can help in many way from donating money, donating aid or helping pack aid destined for war-torn villages and refugee camps.

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, he said: "It has been going on for nearly two years and you can help in any way, shape or form.

"Whatever it is do something, do not do nothing."

Mr Gaston added: "It is still going on and people often say to me is it any better and the answer is, from my limited perspective, it is much worse than it has ever been."

He recalled an incident at a medical clinic when a man struggling to breathe was brought in.

The man had been left traumatised after losing multiple members of his family and would only repeat the same words over and over again.

Mr Gaston asked a translator what the man was saying, she responded: "I am sorry, I am sorry grown men do not cry."

A Ukrainian woman whose heart surgeon husband was killed in the conflict said the UK had given good support to her contry.

Sophia Beshhiaha's husband Youjin died after a vehicle he was travelling in was shelled by Russian forces.

"On that day, I died too," she said.

Sophia Beshhiaha moved to Worcestershire to be with brother Serg Lyevashov

She now lives in Worcestershire.

"I know we have brave heart, we have really good partners like Great Britain.

"So thanks to the UK for supporting us, it is really important for us."