A tattoo artist has spoken of her fears for her family as the Ukrainian crisis continues to escalate.

Rochester resident 'Anna', whose real name we are withholding due to her security concerns, comes from Belarus.

Although that country's president is allied with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, she says her fellow citizens aren't.

Originally from the capital city of Minsk, Anna has been living in the UK for 11 years but most of her family still live out there.

She said the British media and public's coverage of Belarus – whose army joined the invasion on Tuesday – is skewed by misunderstanding.

She said: "We do not want to fight Ukraine. We love Ukraine. They are our neighbours. People forget us and now blame us.

"My family cries over this situation. Europe forgets about us and now Europe blames Belarus.

"We are an oppressed country by the crazy man who is a dictator and not our president.

"Reading the European news, I have a feeling they do not see our history.

"It is unfair. I do not know what to do, I just want to scream. Belarus needs help.

"It is unbelievable. I just wish the British media would really understand what is going on.

"It is horrible to read the coverage in the morning and know it is not true. You feel helpless. It is really painful."

The 36-year-old's cousin, who lives in Ukraine, is now fighting on behalf of his adopted country in Kyiv, as are many Belarusians.

"Belarusians are fighting for Ukraine. He is Belarusian and he fights.

"Everyday I write to him saying how I love him. Everyday I say good morning and goodbye. If he likes my message I know he is alive.

"They are killing people on the streets and children. They started shooting the normal houses."

Meanwhile, people across the Towns have sprung into action to help the Ukrainian people.

Residents are being urged to donate essential items to be transported across Europe.

Here's how you can help.