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When the Russian attacks began, after all attempts at diplomacy had failed, Ukrainians were awoken in their beds by the sound of explosions. On this edition, host James Reynolds share the stories of ordinary Ukrainians over the course of an extraordinary week.

We hear from men and women in different parts of the country as they prepare for war and try to go about their lives as normal while packing emergency bags, filling their cars with petrol and drawing money from banks. Once war begins, Ukrainians describe their fears and hopes for the future - including its effect on families and children. One small child asked his mother how to draw a tank.

These conversations and messages offer an insight into a state of mind after months of intimidation with Russian troops amassed at the border and in the days before and after the increasing likelihood of war turned into a reality. From the historian prepared to fight for his country and the baker in downtown Kyiv with staff to reassure, to those who remain at home as history unfolds.

(Photo: Handout photo issued by Maia Mikhaluk of damage to property in Kyiv, Ukraine, caused by an explosion during Russia"s invasion of Ukraine. Issue date: Friday February 25, 2022. Credit: Maia Mikhaluk/PA Wire)