A Powys woman whose life was saved in Kyiv by a Ukrainian family is calling on the UK Government to allow refugees into the country.

Joanne Newton, from Llanfihangel, near Llanfyllin, travelled to Ukraine in 2002 to adopt her son David, and during her visit she she became very unwell.

She and her baby boy were cared for by Ekaterina Makarenko and her family in Kiev when she could not go to a hospital due to high hepatitis rates.

“They saved my life and now I want to try to save theirs,” Joanne said in an emotional plea.

“I’ve never forgotten their kindness. They looked after David and helped us survive. We now need to help them to survive.

“This Ukraine family nursed me and cared for my baby simply out of the goodness of their hearts until I got well enough to travel home.

“They had very little in terms of money but they cared for me. I will never forget their goodness.”

Joanne has kept in contact with the family for more than 20 years.

“They are in Kiev now as the bombing and invasion of Kyiv continues. Ekaterina has a little toddler of her own.

“She said it was too dangerous for her to go to the Polish border. There is too much in the sky and on the ground. She’s too frightened that she could get killed.

“The safest place is the bathroom in her flat, where she sleeps with her son every night. She only asks that we pray for them. That’s what she’s grateful for.”

Joanne is calling on the UK Government to open up the border for Ukrainian people escaping war to find refuge.

“I want the Government to help these people as much as they can because they are such generous, open-hearted and good people. They deserve any help.

“They saved my life and now I want to try to save theirs. Which is why I implore the UK Government to help these good people and let her and others into the UK.”

Joanne said her son, who will be 21 years old this month, is concerned and worried about Ukraine. David was born in Krivy Roh in central Ukraine, the same city president Volodymyr Zelensky was born. “We are amazed and so proud of him,” Joanne said. “He is inspiring.”

She added: “I’m just so worried for them. I’m worried for everyone. I can’t imagine what they are going through. The Government need to help because what’s happening in Ukraine, if Putin can’t take over the country, he’ll keep on going.”

County Times: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivers his speech addressing the nation in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivers his speech addressing the nation in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. (Image: PA)

Seven days into the war, roughly 874,000 people have fled Ukraine and the UN refugee agency warned the number could cross the one million mark soon. The overall death toll was not clear, but Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said more than 2,000 civilians have died. It was impossible to verify that claim.

Countless others have taken shelter underground as Russia continues its bombardment.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s goals are not clear, but the West has warned he may be seeking to topple the government and install a Kremlin-friendly regime.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decried Russia’s attacks on civilian targets as a blatant terror campaign, while Boris Johnson accused Vladimir Putin of committing war crimes as he condemned “abhorrent” attacks on the citizens of Ukraine.

The UK fears Russia will unleash even greater force against Kiev and other Ukrainian cities in coming days.