The Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland has re-iterated her criticism of Ryanair over the cost of flights for refugees leaving Poland.
The company's CEO, Michael O'Leary, has said there are 'loads of cheap flights out there'.
It comes after Mariya Nikishanova, a Ukrainian woman living in Ireland, begged the carrier to keep fares low after it hiked the ticket prices she booked for her fleeing family.
Earlier this month, she said that her family were in mortal danger.
"One part of the family is in big trouble.
“They are in Irpin, which is Kyiv region, already there were three attacks - everyday big attacks.
“They are really bad. I just talked to them and they said, 'We are waiting for death.'"
The tailfin of Ryanair Boeing 737-800 taxiing along the runway at Manchester Airport in England.Ambassador Larysa Gerasko told The Hard Shoulder Ryanair's website speaks for itself.
"I received the answer from Ryanair, it's explanation - but just go to the website of Ryanair and try to book tickets.
"For instance from Warsaw or Krakow, and you will find the price.
"If you're going to buy a ticket in two or three weeks, for sure the price is normal.
"But if you're going to buy tickets in a couple of days, or during the upcoming week, the prices are high.
"That is my response: you can find everything on the website, and that is the evidence".
It comes as 10 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion.
Some 6.5 million people have been internally displaced, and 3.5 million have left the country.
'We are very grateful'
Ambassador Gerasko says over 10,000 Ukrainians have so far arrived in Ireland - and she has a special message for the Irish people.
"I would say that we appreciate for Ireland's support that we are receiving in this unprecedented, horrible time for my country.
"From Ireland, from local authorities, from business, NGOs, other institutions.
"And of course I would like to pay a special tribute to the people of Ireland for their huge response to Russia's war in Ukraine - and for their generosity and hospitality.
"I've met many Ukrainians who arrived to Ireland - of course they have some difficulties in order to register their children to school.
"But it's a matter of time, so I really appreciate the Irish Government for everything.
"We are in contact and we try to resolve all these issues.
"I understand that [it's] a challenge also for your country - but we are very grateful".
This March 12th photo shows Debris of destroyed Mariupol buildings littering the street as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues. Picture by: UPI / Alamy Stock Photo'Rather die than go to Russia'
Ambassador Gerasko says the city of Mariupol has been completely destroyed.
"Unfortunately Russia continues attacking Ukraine, attacking Kyiv, and Russian military dropped some phosphorus bombs near the capital - which is strongly prohibited by international law.
"But at the same time, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine is rapidly deteriorating.
"The city of Mariupol is surrounded by Russian militaries, and unfortunately Russian forces don't allow our forces to evacuate people from Mariupol.
"The situation really in this city is awful because people don't have food, don't have water.
"I would say that Mariupol is completely destroyed.
"Two days ago, on 19th of March, more than 2,000 children were detained by Russian military forces during our attempt to evacuate them.
"Actually people [in] this city just imagine prefer to die, rather than to be evacuated to the Russian territories".
She also reiterated the Ukraine's demand for a no-fly zone from NATO.
"All international community, all democratic states, have to take all possible measures to stop Putin, and to stop this war.
"And of course to impose a non-fly zone over Ukraine - it's our demand, I would say, from NATO.
"Only in this way we can save the lives of our civilians".
She believes: "If our country fail, Putin will go further and Putin will invade other countries.
"All of us we have to realise that Ukraine is not only the target for Putin.
"He is going to attack other countries - and it's not only a matter of surviving for our country, but for the whole of Europe".
