A brave Ukrainian student has fled to Edinburgh after his country became extremely unsafe for the LGBT+ community.
Nick, a 22-year-old journalism student from Kyiv says he is "physically and emotionally destroyed" by what is happening in his wartorn home country.
The student's family are still stuck in Ukraine.
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Nick was attending Tavrida National V.I. Vernadsky University in Kyiv and about to go into his final year studying journalism.
Since coming to Edinburgh he is continuing his studies online and is also embarking on English lessons to improve his language, with hopes of working in the UK media covering the war.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, the 22-year-old said: "Last month I went to my family home when the war started because I hadn't seen them in three years.
"The place where they live is dangerous, I didn't leave the house because the streets were so dangerous especially if you are a male between the military age.
"Its so dangerous because the Russian army are in the streets, and they take Ukrainians in occupied territory and send Ukrainians to fight on the front line against Ukrainians.
Military age in Ukraine is 18-25 years old, Nick explained that if you were seen out on the streets you could be captured by the military.
When leaving the country Nick ended up getting stuck in an occupied region of Ukraine, which is under Russian military control.
He spoke about the terrifying experience of just walking the streets as he claims there is a chance of being captured and forced to fight on the front line against Ukrainian people.
The student said that it was especially scary as those captured by Russian Military and forced to fight often end up losing their lives.
"I was there for months in occupied territory but I found a way to get to Latvia then Edinburgh.
"It was a long way and a dangerous way but I did it and got here safely, maybe it was just luck" he said.
When arriving into the capital, Nick was greeted by volunteers who settled him into a hotel close to the airport before sorting long term accommodation.
He said: "When I arrived in Edinburgh at night I met volunteers, who told me about the programme.
"I arrived in Scotland under the Homes for Ukrainian scheme and applied one month ago and three weeks ago I got the visa.
"My first night was spent in a hotel close to the airport, then the next day the volunteers took me to a donation centre and now I live with 15 other Ukrainians in a house, on Minto Street.
"Together we help each other and speak about Edinburgh and discuss which documents we need.
"Volunteers are supporting us here, it's really cool. A lot of people have helped me since I arrived, it's so amazing."
"It's a very comfortable visa programme because the government pay for six months of your life in Edinburgh and help with documents and integrating into society.
"Now I need to find some LGBT+ organisations because I would really like to find a new community to be a part of here, I would also like to meet similar LGBT+ Ukrainian refugees."
Since Nick studies journalism he is also looking to get involved with the media in Edinburgh. He said: "I would like to speak to people who work in the media, maybe when my English is better I could work here."
Nick identities as gay and explained how hostile his country has become since Russia invaded and that many safe spaces for those in the LGBT+ community disappeared since the war started.
The 22-year-old explained, "My city is homophobic but when I moved to university three years ago in Kyiv there was many opportunities.
"I went to Kyiv Pride, I worked in LGBT organisation 'VGO Gay Alliance Ukraine' and created different events and worked with lots of other LGBT+ activists.
"Those in the LGBT+ community experience discrimination in every day life during normal circumstances but when there is a war, it becomes very dangerous.
"In war you can forget about human rights. It's a very homophobic atmosphere.
"In Ukraine since the war there have been more cases of sexual violence against women and men. It's terrible to know that these things are happening.
"Many LGBT+ people in Ukraine are facing mental health issues due to and homophobia from their families and in every day life because of this, there is a lot of stress and fear in the community which can put us in even greater dangers.
"In Ukraine before the war there weren't many LGBT+ places but now the war has started and many cities have been bombed, it's putting us at an even greater risk."
He continued: "A lot of LGBT+ people have left because they can't stay due to the military and hostile homophobic atmosphere. Sadly its too dangerous.
"We want a safe place, to go out in the streets with our partners and husbands and visit gay clubs and bars, community centres and speak about freedom and issues that matter but since the war started it is not possible."
Since moving to Scotland Nick reached out to some online communities to network and meet new people.
He has been overwhelmed with the response from the Edinburgh LGBT+ community online and looks forward to meeting new people and finally having a space place to call home.
He told us that he is looking forward to attending Edinburgh Pride and possibly getting involved with different communities.
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Nick said: "I had so many responses from LGBT+ people online who want to help me and I'm looking forward to meeting them in real life.
"I want to meet native speakers and local people because I have never been to the UK before the war and I'm looking forward to meeting new people.
"So many people want to help me. I don't have the resources to move back to Kyiv and next year when I finish my studies I don't know what I will do, it's hard to imagine an end to the war.
"I have moved three different places in the last five years, I am a refugee of war and I'm so tired from moving to different places and it's affecting my mental health. It's too difficult for me.
"Now I want to stay in Edinburgh and find my safe place here because I'm tired of having no where to call home."
