Ukrainian woman in Jersey speaks out on the Cold War and Russia's invasion of her country

• Lera Evered tells ITV News about the hopes and fears for her homeland

A Ukrainian woman says she is glad her parents and grandparents are dead so they do not see the destruction of their country by Russian forces.

Lera Evered grew up in Kyiv during the Cold War where fighting was normalised, even for a 10-year-old child.

She explained: "I was taught how to hide under the desk in case of nuclear attack from 'big bad USA' and we had to undo and put together Kalashnikovs [automatic guns] with a blindfold. We were also told how to throw grenades."

Lera now lives in Jersey and told ITV News that it is hard to cope with the pictures and videos showing the current Russian invasion of her homeland.

She described: "You live in a parallel universe. I'm glad my parents and grandparents are no more in a certain cynical way so they never see this.

"You call someone because you just can't cope with this so it comes and goes. I still can't talk about it without emotions so yes, it's difficult."

• Lera describes what it was like calling friends and family in Ukraine to check that they were safe during the early stages of the conflict.

Lera believes that if Ukraine does not come out on top, the war's impact could spread much wider.

She added: "If Ukraine doesn't win, we're in big trouble, because Ukraine isn't just defending itself, it's defending the world as we know it.

"We are with you. You are our hope for the whole world."

Lera spoke to ITV News as part of Ukraine Week, with a series of events held in Jersey to raise awareness and money for those affected by Russia's invasion.

The Bailiff's Ukraine Appeal has already raised more than £2 million since it started in March and more information can be found here.