Six months ago, Ukraine had a mounting Russian presence at its border, they were told with no intention of invasion. Now, the UN says more than 12 million Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes; Russia has blockaded and flattened cities, there are reports of its army committing war crimes again Ukrainians, and it continues its fight in the east.

Russia said the invasion is a “special military operation”, for the "protection of the people who for eight years suffered from abuse and genocide from the Kyiv regime".

Four Ukrainians join Niall Paterson on the Sky News Daily, sharing their stories from life in a warzone, how the two biggest cities Kyiv and Kharkiv have changed, and their hopes for the end of the war.

Producer: Soila Apparicio
Interviews producer: Alys Bowen
Podcast promotions producer: David Chipakupaku
Editor: Paul Stanworth