She fled Ukraine with just her passport a backpack and the clothes she was wearing after her home town was bombed by Russian forces.

And on the year anniversary of the invasion, Ana Petrenko, 29, a University of East Anglia postgraduate International Development student, has spoken about her ambition to return to her country which she strongly believes will recover from the conflict.

Eastern Daily Press: Ana Petrenko, who is a UEA postgraduate student, but fled the Ukraine after Russia invaded the country on February 24, 2022. Picture: Denise BradleyAna Petrenko, who is a UEA postgraduate student, but fled the Ukraine after Russia invaded the country on February 24, 2022. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

Miss Petrenko, who lives near Dereham Road after getting support from a city host family for a few months, grew up in the east of Ukraine in Rubizhne, close to the nation's Russian-occupied territory.

Eastern Daily Press: The view from the car which Ana Petrenko travelled in out of Ukraine after Russia invaded the country on February 24, 2022. Picture: Ana PetrenkoThe view from the car which Ana Petrenko travelled in out of Ukraine after Russia invaded the country on February 24, 2022. Picture: Ana Petrenko (Image: Ana Petrenko)

The Red Cross worker, who helped people in the occupied zone, fled with three other colleagues by car from their work base in Sievierodonetsk on the first day of the invasion on February 24.

She said: "I heard the first explosion at 6.30am. I thought my brain was messing with me but then I heard a second explosion.

"In the afternoon I knew I had to leave because the situation was changing so fast."

After getting a train to Lviv and then bus to the Polish border the student made it safely into Warsaw on March 4 and arrived in the UK on April 15, thanks to support from Norwich friends.

Eastern Daily Press: Ana Petrenko, during her long journey out of the Ukraine after Russia invaded on February 24, 2022. Picture: Ana PetrenkoAna Petrenko, during her long journey out of the Ukraine after Russia invaded on February 24, 2022. Picture: Ana Petrenko (Image: Ana Petrenko)

She believed it was important for countries to provide tanks and artillery to Ukraine and added: "The war is a constant presence in my life. I'm so grateful for the support from people here. Every time I see my country's flag my heart melts because I know I'm not alone.

"We are going to win because we don't have a choice. I want to go back and help rebuild Ukraine. We are fighting for freedom. I love my country and want peace."

Miss Petrenko is doing the postgraduate course through a University of Sanctuary scholarship, which helps people fleeing war-torn countries study.