Defiant Ukrainian great-gran, 79, prepares to 'defend my children' if Russia invades

dailystar.co.uk:

great-grandmother has undertaken civilian combat training in Ukraine and says she is prepared to "defend" her children following fears that Russia will invade.

Valentyna Konstantynovska, 79, has been praised for her "strength and bravery" after being taught defence tactics by Special Forces Unit Azov in Mariupol, eastern Ukraine.Ms Konstantynovska was taught how to use a AK-47 assault rifle by the country's national guard on Monday (February 14), as they prepare for a potential attack from Russia.Speaking to an NBCNews reporter about the training, the great-grandma said: "Your mother would do it too."Ms Konstantynovska also spoke to local media about her contribution to the exercise and said: "I am ready to shoot if something happens.

I will defend my home, my city, my children."I will do this because I think I’m ready for it. I don't want to lose my country, my city."She added: "I underwent this training but I probably won't be a very valid soldier because my body doesn't serve me that much anymore."And the weapon is too heavy for me."Her neighbours have described her as an "example of Ukrainian" after she was pictured during the exercise this week.One person wrote on social media: "I know her, she was our neighbour, she lived in the next house, she is a beautiful woman, the example of Ukrainian."While political analyst Ariana Gic said: "This woman is my hero."A third person said yesterday: "79 yr old Valentyna Konstantynovska on the front page of the papers tomorrow - what a woman."Bravery and strength, the face of our friends in #Ukraine."As locals undergo training, hopes have increased for a more diplomatic response to take place after Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed that some units taking part in military.