The publisher of a regional title has sent her support to the Ukrainian people after sharing her memories of life behind the Iron Curatin.

Rasa Dregva, who publishes Maidstone & Medway Magazine, has recalled living in Lithuania prior to the country gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1990.

April’s edition of the lifestyle magazine will feature a Ukraine special supplement, with a number of advertisers pledging donations.

All money received will be used to buy supplies for the people of Ukraine, while readers can also collect a free poster in support of the country, pictured below, from MMM’s Maidstone head office.

Rasa said: “I grew up living behind the Iron Curtain. In the Baltic state of Lithuania, we didn’t have much, but we had everything that was important – family, love and values.

“And I remember, 32 years ago, Lithuania’s fight for independence from Russia following the break-up of the Soviet Union. It meant a great deal to everyone in that proud nation.

“I cannot express how wonderful it was when Lithuania finally became an independent state, to simply see the Lithuanian language used and not Russian.

“I know Russia, today, is a very different nation to that which once held so many nations – like my homeland – in its grip. But I know how it felt to be free. I know how the nation felt proud and alive. I know why Ukraine is resisting.”

Earlier this week regional press giant Newsquest announced it was donating 5p from every daily newspaper sold yesterday to the Red Cross appeal for victims of the war in Ukraine.

The initiative will be rolled out across the group’s weekly titles over the next week.