'We were really sure we would die in Ukraine'

A Ukrainian doctor, now in the UK, has described how she and her family were "sure they would die" as they sheltered from missiles in a basement.

Dr Olga Pantas is preparing for a medical test that would allow her to practice in the UK, although she had already volunteered in a Wiltshire hospital.

"I'm really grateful. I feel safe here" she said, explaining that she and her children had been in the UK three years after the start of the war.

Recent council figures showed that Wiltshire had welcomed more than 1,600 "guests" as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Three years ago, Dr Pantas and her family were in her parents' basement for three weeks on the Russian-Ukrainian border as the war raged around them: "It was dangerous. We had no food by the end of the second week."

They hardly slept in that time either.

"We had no hope. We were really sure we would die. It's like a nightmare and the nightmare didn't end," she added.

They managed to get out to friends, but her father wanted to stay in his home to look after the house and pets.

She spent time in Croatia, but was then encouraged to come to the UK by friends here.

The friends were Russian, but have been in the UK for decades - and Dr Pantas said they supported Ukraine.

"It's so moving how people open doors to their own homes. They have been so welcoming to Ukrainian people. They've given us a house, food, care, help. I'm happy because my children are here," she said.

She has one child aged nine, and a 16-year-old daughter who had applied to university in the UK to study international relations: "She's absolutely sure she can change something."

However, Dr Pantas was still worried about the family who stayed behind: "I feel terribly about my family. Every night I check the news."

She used to think that diplomacy could solve everything, but was not convinced anymore: "We are always fighting for our freedom all through Ukrainian history.

"I'm proud of our military to keep this front and save my family."

Dr Pantas explained she had 20 years of experience as a cardiologist and wanted to practice again, which is why she was working to be registered in the UK.

After volunteering at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, she would like to work as a doctor there when she was able to.

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