Ukrainian refugee in Darlington says it's hard to celebrate Independence Day
It's Ukraine's 34th year of independence
A Ukrainian refugee in Darlington says it's going to be hard celebrating Independence Day today.
The nation is marking its 34th year of independence despite the on-going war with Russia and peace deal negotiations continuing.
Snegana Pazin is from Kryvyi Rih but was in Kyiv when she had to flee Ukraine when the full-scale invasion happened.
She is now living in Darlington and she said: "This Independence Day for Ukrainian people is really, really important. It's not about celebration, it's about the feeling to be free not only now but in the future as well.
"My plan is meeting Ukrainian friends and celebrate but it's hard to celebrate because at the same time, many soldiers are dying. I don't expect there to be a fast finish of this war.
"Inside me I live in hope. I have my fingers crossed that the war will end quickly but I don't believe in Putin and at the same time, I don't believe Trump as well."