BOLTON's Ukrainian chair has said he is 'angry and upset' by the airstrike on Ukrainian air bases.

Vladimir Putin announced the action during a televised address early on Thursday morning, saying the move was a response to threats from Ukraine.

Explosions could be heard in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, shortly after Mr Putin’s address, while blasts were also reported in the cities of Odesa and Kharkiv.

When speaking to The Bolton News, Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn, was in tears trying to get hold of his cousin, who lives in Lviv.

As the chair of the Bolton branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), he said: "It's got to the point where I am beyond angry.

“Lviv is the most beautiful city.

"Bombs have gone off in the west now, and near airport Boryspil.

"Families from Rochdale have also been distressed terribly by this.

"I am flabbergasted because I didn't think he was that stupid to try this."

The Bolton News: Club chair Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Bolton branch, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Credit: PA)Club chair Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Bolton branch, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Credit: PA)

Mr Putin said Russia does not have a goal to occupy Ukraine, but the responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian “regime”.

Russia’s military said it has targeted Ukrainian air bases and other military assets and has not targeted populated areas.

Mr Putin issued a stark warning to other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen”.

Mr Tymchyshyn described him as Hitler and said “this is utter war”.

He fears that this is part of plans to reform the Soviet Union, ahead of the 100th anniversary of when it formed.

The Bolton News: Bolton's Ukrainians celebrates 30 years of independence last year and are a well established group in the townBolton's Ukrainians celebrates 30 years of independence last year and are a well established group in the town

Mr Putin also accused the US and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining Nato and offering Moscow security guarantees.

He said the Russian military operation aims to ensure a “demilitarisation” of Ukraine, adding that all Ukrainian servicemen who lay down arms will be able to safely leave the zone of combat.

The Bolton branch is urgently appealing for donations to raise funds for vulnerable families in need of medical equipment and supplies, which is online via Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal on the GoFundMe site.

Donations can also be made at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 99 Castle St, Bolton, BL2 1JP.

The Bolton News:

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