On the 24th February, 2022, President Vladimir Putin authorised “A special military operation” against Ukraine to eliminate what he called a serious threat, saying his aim was to demilitarise Russia’s southern neighbour.

In an early morning address on state television, Putin said he had been left with no choice but to launch the operation.

Seven months on from the start of the war, Andrew Wright caught up with Kira Rudik, Member of Ukrainian Parliament, Leader of Political party Golos, and Vice President of ALDE.to get her memories of Queen Elizabeth II and the latest on the war in Ukraine.