Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff clarifies comment on Ukraine crisis after backlash

Peta Murgatroyd, 35, expressed her despair at the tragic situation occurring in Ukraine. “This is continually breaking my heart,” she said on her Instagram Stories March 16, according to People. The Dancing with the Stars pro went on, “I’m struggling to get through some days. Sometimes I have great days, other days I have terrible days because I just can’t get this out of my head. I’ve walked those streets, I’ve been there. It is such a beautiful country. And the children that are dying right now.”

Judge Rinder shared an emotional hug with his Strictly Come Dancing partner Oksana Platero's family on the Ukraine border after a week of trying to find them.The TV star has been on the border between Poland and the war-torn Eastern European country. Documenting his search and meeting with other refugees throughout his journey reporting from the frontline, Judge Robert Rinder, 43, was finally able to share a selection of poignant images uniting with 33 year old Oksana's relatives.

Elon Musk is looking to throw down with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Tesla co-founder, 50, challenged Putin, 69, to a one-on-one fight amidst Russia’s tragic invasion of Ukraine. “I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat,” Elon wrote on Twitter March 14. “Stakes are Ukraine,” he added. Elon wrote Putin’s name in Russian and Ukraine in Ukrainian.

Kristina Rihanoff has remained silent since apologising to her fans over comments she made about the Ukraine and Russia conflict, but on Monday she reacted to several supportive messages left by her followers.MORE: Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff's fans share disappointment after Russian dancer clarifies Ukraine commentsOver the weekend, the former Strictly Come Dancing pro posted several now-deleted tweets that many felt were "insensitive" and "Pro-Putin" and after receiving backlash, the mother-of-one released a statement in which she clarified her words.MORE: Kristina Rihanoff welcomes baby boy Ray to the familyThe mother-of-one told her fans that she was "not supporting Putin, war, invasion, lost lives and politics," adding: "I hate it as much as a human being possibly can."READ: Kristina Rihanoff opens up about raising partner Ben Cohen's daughtersRELATED: Ben Cohen's ex-wife regrets explicit rant about Strictly's Kristina RihanoffShe also went on to reveal she was "deeply sorry" for offending anyone with her remarks and said she was "powerless doing anything to help anyone in both countries". Kristina explained to her followers that Milena's name is UkrainianThe statement divided her fans, and although many felt her words were "too little, too late", she did receive some messages of support that she acknowledged by liking them."Whatever truth you tell you will upset someone.

Strictly Come Dancing former pro dancer James Jordan entered into a tense back and forth on Twitter with head judge Shirley Ballas over claims that past and present Russian dancers haven't shown enough support for Ukraine, which is currently being invaded by Russia under President Vladimir Putin's orders. Following 43 year old James's angry rant on what he perceived past colleagues to have done to help in the crisis, Shirley couldn't let his comments slide by, in a row that comes amid controversy over former dancer Kristina Rihanoff's comments about Russia and Ukraine.

Strictly stars James Jordan and Shirley Ballas had a very public disagreement over the weekend after comments made by James relating to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.MORE: Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood talks Oti Mabuse exit: 'It's brilliant news'Shirley made it clear she had taken offence to James's comments about Russian dancers on the BBC show as she hit back on Twitter.WATCH: Ola and James Jordan take Ella shopping for her birthdayIt came after James tweeted about his perceived lack of action, writing: "I don't see many of the Russian dancers I know and have even shared the Strictly dance floor with them openly speaking out about the war against Ukraine.READ: Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff's fans share disappointment after Russian dancer clarifies Ukraine commentsMORE: Ben Cohen's ex-wife regrets explicit rant about Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff"But are still promoting themselves on social media - very disappointed. They know who they are - not 1 post about it." Shirley was among those to respond to James's commentsOne of James's followers took issue with her remarks, replying: "What an ignorant, thoughtless comment.

Strictly Come Dancing dancer Kristina Rihanoff was forced to apologise to fans on Sunday after posting several now-deleted tweets that many felt were "insensitive" and "Pro-Putin".MORE: Elton John and David Furnish release emotional statement – 'We are heartbroken'The 44-year-old star faced backlash after posting a message in which she criticised Sky News for reporting that Russia had been banned from the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest following the invasion of Ukraine.WATCH: Kristina Rihanoff reunites with Strictly partner Robin Windsor for inspiring reasonIn a long statement shared on Twitter, Kristina clarified that she did so because she thought "there was far more important information on that day".READ: Kristina Rihanoff opens up about raising partner Ben Cohen's daughtersRELATED: Ben Cohen's ex-wife regrets explicit rant about Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff"This, in any form says I was supporting what's happening at the moment between Russia and Ukraine," she added.It’s said to see so much hatred so I just wanted to say things I really mean pic.twitter.com/NuA5WqPcWuRead Kristina's statement in fullAfter explaining that her grandfather was from Ukraine and that she and husband Ben Cohen chose a Ukrainian name for their daughter, Milena, she added: "Seeing the news is breaking my heart as I have Russian friends who live in Ukraine and vice versa."She continued: "I am not supporting Putin, war, invasion, lost lives and politics. I hate it as much as a human being possibly can."Kristina then went on to reveal she was "deeply sorry" for offending anyone with her remarks and said she was "powerless doing anything to help anyone in both countries".

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff has slammed Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

John Cena was slammed after he appeared to use the Ukraine crisis to promote his HBO show. The backlash began after the 44-year-old professional wrestler/actor took to his Twitter on Thursday (Feb. 24) to respond to the news of Russia invading Ukraine, which was quickly condemned by President Joe Biden and other world leaders. “If I could somehow summon the powers of a real life #Peacemaker, I think this would be a great time to do so,” John wrote, referencing the superhero series in which he plays the titular role.

As the world watches in horror and sadness at what is happening in Ukraine right now, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making an official statement on the invasion.