A Ukrainian woman living in Crosshaven says she's delighted her mother is safe with her in Cork but says they are very concerned about her brother who has chosen to stay in Ukraine to fight.
Tetyana Buhera's mother was forced to leave her home when Russian troops began shelling a nearby airbase.
She made her way to the Polish border via several buses and spent 36 hours at the border due to the huge amount of people seeking refuge.
Tetyana's mother arrived in Cork yesterday and will be able to spend 90 days in Ireland after visa restrictions were lifted, while her 35 year old brother refused to leave and is waiting to be called up to join the war effort.
Speaking to RedFM News, Tetyana says she is both very worried and very proud of her brother.
"Within first two days, I believe he was able to still to leave the country. And I did ask him to do this. But he was very decisive. And he said 'no way because if everyone would leave who will stay here to protect the country?'
"He is very determined to go and fight. There are so many men at the moment in Ukraine who are willing to fight that, they just don't take everyone yet.
"You know when when this will be needed, he is ready to go, which is again very scary, and I believe my mom is terrified. But at the same time, you know, we are very proud that he made this decision."
