A WEMBDON couple have branded the British government "cynical" for refusing visas to allow four of their family members from Ukraine to come to this country.

Yana Jelley, 45, who has British citizenship but comes from Ukraine, and her husband, Tristram, say they would welcome the four to their home - at no cost to the taxpayer.

Following the Russian invasion, Yana's niece, Margarita, 18, and her husband Artyom, 19, drove hundreds of miles from their home in Mykolaiv, near Odessa, to Romania and on to Krakow, in Poland.

There they met up with Yana's nephew, Dmytro and his partner Inna, both 28, and are all staying in a hotel.

They have made an online application to be granted refuge in the UK, but have so far been unsuccessful as the government has until now only issued 50 visas, although it is promising to allow 200,000 Ukrainians into the country.

Yana, who works at Toolstation in Bridgwater, said: "I'm in shock.

"I don't believe what has happened. It's beyond comprehension.

"We would welcome my family to our home in Wembdon with open arms."

Tristram, who lived for a time in Russia and other parts of the former Soviet Union, said: "It's just horrendous.

"Margarita and Artyom have escaped and can't go home.

"Dmytro and Inna were in Dubai when war broke out and flew to Krakow to meet up with the other two

"They're stranded and can't go back because of what's going on.

"We're very close to them. They've all been here before and wouldn't be a burden on the state.

"We're keen to offer them refuge, but they can't come at the moment.

"The rules are going to change on Tuesday to allow in more families, but we're not sure what the definition of family will include."

He added: "It's cynical of the government to say 200,000 Ukrainians will be welcomed while only issuing 50 visas so far.

"The Poles and the Romanians have been magnificent in their welcome of our family members."

Yana's sister Krystina, her husband Yuri and her mother, Angelina have remained in Mykolaiv, despite Russian shelling and a lack of water and food.

"They're staying in their home," said Tristram.

"They consider they're Ukrainiain and Mykolaiv is there home. They aren't going anywhere.

"Our door is open for them, but they don't want to come.

"Ukraine is the most extraordinarily brave nation."