Ukrainian student says she's 'not scared' to defend her country

A brave Ukrainian British Student left Good Morning Britain viewers in tears today as she vowed to fight for her family in Kyiv.

Valentina Butenko, who has studied at UCL, appeared on the ITV show today from her home as she recalled an awful night of Russian bombing and said she had an "eerie feeling".

"There's this really settled fear that this conflict is just getting worse," she said. "We aren't getting any concrete military support from the West that can mean anything for our protection and there's not many options for our protection.

"The missile shell that was shot down over Kyiv this morning flew over my house. We've been hearing shelling and gunfire all night. This conflict is really intensifying and it doesn't look to be anyway out or any outside support that can concretely deter Russia."

Hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard told her that they felt powerless to help her, to which she said that she wanted everyone in the West to call on their governments to make really debilitating sanctions on Russia.

"I want the world to know that we're not dealing with a politician here," she said. "We're dealing with a head of state, we're dealing with a terrorist, an imperialist, possibly a psychopath and unless the cost of this war is made completely inexcusable to him and his crony government, then he is not going to stop."

Valentina continued: "As much as it pains me to say this, the response of Europe, the response of Germany has almost been insulting to me, personally, as a Ukrainian citizen. The fact that rockets being shot at civilian areas is not enough for Germany to say that we will take some economic pain and cut Russia off from Swift in order to protect these people's lives, that is to some extent an insult to me and an insult to Ukrainian people."

Kate responded: "I just want to tell you to run and hide because the forces are so close! What are you going to do? What is your plan?"

"My plan is to stay in Kyiv to do what I can to defend. If Russian troops do come in this side, if they do come inside to Kyiv, to the regions, then I will also join the defence. Whether it's molotov cocktails, whether it's helping defend any points in the city. Right now, the entire of Kyiv's population is ready to do what it takes to defend our capital because it's the last stand. We're not giving up our government and we're not giving up our country.

"Am I terrified? Of course I am. I'm not used to rockets flying over my head, I'm not used to hearing about my friends in civilian areas getting injured, having their family getting injured. This to me is my life, this is my country's entire identity and future - it isn't some outside political conflict, cost-benefit economic analysis. These are people's lives and this is my life.

"In terms of the extent of staying here for my country, I'm not scared. I'm not scared of the consequences it requires. I do not believe that Putin and his government deserve my fear or any Ukrainian fears, so I am not planning to run."

Emotional viewers took to Twitter to praise Valentina's bravery, with one writing: "#GMB my heart breaks for this young girl."

While another commented: "That was an incredible interview with Valentina. I do hope she stays safe. #GMB."

A third wrote: "'Putin and his government do not deserve my fear'. Crying at this girls bravery #GMB #IStandWithUkraine."

"I just can't even....#GMB What a remarkable woman," another tweeted.

One remarked: "Valentina Butenko what a brave young lady. Godspeed to you and your fellow countrymen. # ukraine #gmb."

*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV

Read More

Read More