Over 2.5 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in what has been described as the fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War Two.
Innocent people have been forced to leave behind their ordinary lives and flee to safety - many with just the clothes on their backs.
Some people in Greater Manchester still recall tales from their own parents or grandparents, who were taken in by kind strangers during the mass-evacuation of children in Britain during 1939.
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It's the familiarity and the knowledge that it could 'happen to any of us' that has led some people across the region preparing to open their doors to Ukrainian refugees.
Today (14 March), the UK government announced it's "homes for Ukraine" programme.
The scheme will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses across the country to offer a room or home rent-free to those escaping the war.
Members of the public can nominate a Ukrainian individual or family to stay with them for at least six months with sponsored refugees being granted three years to live in the UK.
They will be able to work, claim benefits and access public services during that period.
People offering accommodation to Ukrainian refugees will receive a payment of £350 a month, though this does not increase for additional people.
When the Manchester Evening News asked readers if they'd consider welcoming a Ukrainian refugee/s into their homes, many said they would love to help.
But others expressed concerns over the rising cost of living, and their ability to provide those fleeing - many of whom will have experienced trauma - exactly what they need.
Laura Casey, 29, lives in Wigan with her husband Eddie, and said their decision to register an interest for the programme took next to no deliberation.
"As soon as we heard the government were reaching out for people to volunteer we pretty much said straight away we would do it," she said, speaking to the M.E.N.
"We are fortunate that we have the extra space and we don't have kids. I think if we did have children we might have been a bit more hesitant about it.
"But we would love to help if we can."
Laura said she and her husband had already decided they were going to help, before the £350 financial incentive was announced by Secretary of State for Housing and Communities, Michael Gove.
"We knew we would help as luckily we are in a position to do so," she added.
"We'd like to think if we were in that position someone else would help us. I don’t know why you wouldn’t offer to help if you could.
"I don’t think we are opposed to taking anyone but I think we would really like to help a child or a child and parent as we live in a really nice area with lots of green space to offer."
Niamh Monaghan-Farrell is a full-time nurse from Northenden and despite living in a two-bedroom apartment, said she would happily free up space for a Ukrainian refugee.
The 26-year-old said: "In terms of the money I don't think it's enough with the rising cost of living as other people living in your house is going to add to the cost of water and electricity.
"I think more money would give incentive for more people do it, and of course not everyone has the space for it.
"But anyone could be a refugee at any point in their lives. It could happen to any of us - I think people forget that.
"Wouldn't we want someone to take us in if we were fleeing our country?
"Some people say they are worried about strangers but everyone you meet is a stranger at first. Just because you don’t know someone it doesn’t make them a bad person.
"These people are just normal people with normal lives who’ve been forced out of their country."
Niamh says she is prepared to register for the programme, but would like to understand what support will be available for people welcoming refugees into their homes.
"I have a spare room and would love to do it. I am going to register," she said.
"But I do work full time and I want to know about what support there will be. I don’t have children so housing someone with a child - I might not be able to offer them what they need."
Mum-of-one, Laura Kay, said she would love to offer her spare room in Blackley to a Ukrainian person or family, but says she is worried she wouldn't be able to manage financially.
"The timing of it is really difficult with our own financial crisis at the moment," said the 35-year-old.
"My rent has just gone up by £120 a month and with the price of bills and everything it's hard.
"I do have a spare room and I would love to take in a family. My mum did it when I was young during the Bosnian War.
"But with the current price hikes I can just about afford to house me and my daughter. And it's not just about the bills, it's making sure you have all the right furniture to make them comfortable."
Laura says she doesn't think the £350 a month government incentive is enough to be able to provide for an extra person or family.
"These people have come from such a traumatic situation and you want them to be as comfortable as possible," she added.
"I live in quite a community driven area and I do have some good benefits to offer someone but I don't want to say yes and then really struggle financially.
"The price of petrol is crippling at the moment and my food shopping has gone up by £20 a week.
"We are making ends meet just me and my daughter but you have to think about how far you can stretch."
Aside from the obvious financial aspect, other readers expressed reservations about what else will come with opening their homes to those fleeing war.
One woman wrote: "I actually would, it would prob (sic) be a good life lesson for my two little boys too, but I wouldn't be able to do the settling stuff like help with admin, benefit applications, all the stuff they'd need.
"I don't speak their language and I barely have time to do that stuff for myself as a working solo mum, but if there was a team set up helping them with all the stuff they'd need then fair play."
Another said: "I would if I could afford it but £350 is not enough as gas and electric has gone up, rent has gone up, they will use more of everything."
One man wrote: "£350 compensation per month is not enough to feed, cloth (sic) and cover the increase in monthly bills for an entire family! So the answer is people would like to but the government isn't doing enough to make it financially accessible."
Responding to the government's plans, Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the programme 'falls short' of enabling Ukrainian's the support they need.
"A humanitarian crisis requires a speedy and compassionate response, not one that puts bureaucratic hurdles ahead of the immediate needs of people whose lives have been ripped apart," he said.
"We are also worried about ensuring the safety and wellbeing for Ukrainians who have fled bloodshed, and the level of support available for their sponsors.
"We are talking about very traumatised women and children whose experiences are unique, and the level of support needs to match that.
"It’s like asking people to be foster carers without any robust checks, training or having a social worker in place to support them."
The UK Health Secretary, Sajid Javid told Times Radio there would be a "basic level of security checks" for the scheme.
He added that those offering a place for refugees to stay would be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Read more about Ukraine here: Prime Minister says UK will pursue more options for 'bolstering Ukraine's self-defence'
