First Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina, seeking shelter from the war raging in their home country.

Baldin Mykola, his wife and son arrived in Medjugorje, a southern town and one of the most popular Catholic pilgrimage sites, on the day when the shelling of the cities across Ukraine started.

He told N1 they decided to come here and pray for the Ukrainian people.

This is their second visit to Medjugorje. This year, they said, they decided to stay for a month, hoping that the situation in their country would stabilise by then.

The family arrived with only basic personal belongings. They left behind their family, home, jobs and friends.

The 9-year-old boy said he missed his grandmother, teacher and his cat the most. He hopes to go back to his home as soon as possible.

N1