Ukrainian civilians stranded in Kherson wait for daughter

Olena, 40, who would only give her first name and declined to give her surname to protect the identity of her family, said she was waiting for her 10 year-old daughter.

Olena had travelled to Germany for work just days before Russia invaded Ukraine in February and had been unable to see her daughter since.

I haven't seen my daughter in nine months, said Olena anxiously.

She said I wish I could go and pick them up.

Civilians who want to use the amnesty end at nightfall on Monday are required to show proof of Ukrainian citizenship and use their own boats.

Anastasiia, who only gave her first name, said she was at the port because she hoped to cross the river the other way into Russian-held territory where her relatives are.

Yesterday I saw a message about the evacuation, but it turned out there were no boats and I had to get there myself. I don't know what to do, she said.

I'm afraid that I'm going to die alone, and no one will know about it. Russian forces have intensified artillery attacks on the Kherson region since withdrawing from the western bank of Dnipro. Dozens of people have died in attacks in the region, Ukrainian officials say.

Anastasiia said houses in her street had been destroyed by Russian rockets in recent days.

The situation there is not better, there are those Russian fascists but I say, at least we'll die together. Mykola, 73, said his daughter happened to be on the east bank of the river when Kherson was liberated and stuck alone in Russian-held territory. She wants to go home. Her daughter and husband are all in Kherson.