In pictures: Founder of Cork Chernobyl charity visits Ukraine on war anniversary

The founder of a Cork charity travelled across the Ukrainian border on the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

Fiona Corcoran, from the Greater Chernobyl Cause, said she had been determined to visit to see the projects the charity has supported.

14m Ukrainians fled their homes in the wake of the February 2022 invasion, with 25% of the population displaced within a month.

6.5m Ukrainians are attempting to rebuild their lives in other parts of the world.

Ms Corcoran’s charity is endeavouring to help those who have chosen to stay in the country despite the constant danger.

The Greater Chernobyl Cause has been distributing vital equipment to assist in rebuilding after Russian bombing attacks.

Ms Corcoran brought with her “a good luck charm”. She had been presented years earlier with the Order of Princess Olga medal, a Ukrainian civil decoration featuring Olga of Kyiv, for her charity work.

Ms Corcoran was accompanied by former BBC News cameraman Brian Staveley, who recorded their visit over several days.

Travelling with volunteers in Ukraine, they started out in Lviv, and went across the country by train and delivered a cargo of humanitarian aid to Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, where volunteers then distributed the aid to 150 families.

Ms Corcoran described her journey as “moving” and “very emotional”.

“I had promised myself that I wouldn’t turn back. I don’t know what forced me on, but I can only put it down to necessity.”

Visit  http://www.greaterchernobylcause.ie.