While Christmas is a time of joy and happiness for most families, many Ukrainian refugees in the UK have been facing a third year of festivities away from home.

It was almost four years ago when Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began and it quickly became clear that those who fled the country were not going to return any time soon.

One of those people was Iryna Izotova, from Sloviansk near the Russian border, who was forced to flee the city in March 2022, leaving behind her mother and brother.

She told BBC Midlands Today she remembered arriving in Coventry a few months later.

"We arrived after midnight, it was late at night," she said. "We were so tired and we were so frustrated."

The population of her home city has fallen by about 50% since the invasion began and Ms Izotova said it had affected most people she knew.

"Everybody lost somebody," she added. "My friend's husband died from this war.

"Another of my friends died because of the war. This situation touched every family."

She confirmed her mother had also died in the last year, though her death was not caused by the war.

Ms Izotova remained uncertain as to whether she would ever return to Ukraine even if the war ended, because she had little family left there.

However, she talked of her plans for 2026, which included buying her own apartment.

"Of course, the most important thing for us is waiting for the finish of the war," she added.

Since settling in Coventry, Ms Izotova has been working for company OuttaReach as a graphic designer.

Shannon Giles, who also works at the firm, said she was "shy and reserved" when she first arrived.

"Watching her come out of her shell over the last three-and-a-half years has been amazing to see," she added.

"She has been absolutely outstanding, an impeccable designer, and she is amazing at her job. I couldn't wish for a better employee."

Ms Izotova has also been helped by Coventry City Council, which holds weekly support sessions in the library for Ukrainians living locally.

With more refugees arriving in the city, the authority said it still needed help from people willing to become host families.

Ros Johnson, the authority's Homes For Ukraine lead, said: "People who live here in the UK have the opportunity to open their homes.

"[It could be] just a room, just a bedroom and shared facilities - to allow the guest to share the kitchen and the bathroom."

She said host families were also paid a thank you payment of £350 as part of the government-funded scheme.