Sir Elton John reportedly helped save a six-year-old Ukrainian boy he once tried to adopt.

The 67-year-old singer - who raises children Zachary, three, and Elijah, 20 months, with partner David Furnish - is thought to have had a hand in helping to get the youngster, Lev Ageyev, his brother Artyom, seven, and their grandmother Yulia Ageyeva away from the conflict in Mariupol, Ukraine.

Elton's friend, socialite Olena Franchuk, is believed to have arranged a 460-mile trip for the trio to help them flee the city on Saturday.

Yulia said: ''I thank God for whoever helped us.''

On the same day as the rescue, more than 1,000 people assembled a human chain in protest against pro-Russian forces in Ukraine.

Ukrainian laws barred Elton from adopting Lev, who he met at an orphanage, in 2009 due to his sexuality and age.

He previously said: ''I would love to adopt him. He has stolen my heart. I will not give up on him ever.''

Earlier this year, Yulia - who rescued Lev from the orphanage - pleaded for help from Elton as the conditions in Ukraine worsened.

She said: ''I have taken Lev out of the kindergarten until the trouble is over.

''I know he felt something for Lev. We're worried what will happen so any help he could give us would be appreciated.''