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24
Feb 2022
Ripon man with family in Ukraine speaks of 'deeply troubling' times
Peter Dutka has spoken of his devastation and concern for family in Ukraine after waking up this morning to the news that Russia had invaded.
Mr Dutka lives in Ripon and was brought up in England by his father, who was born in Ukraine. He still has family living in western Ukraine near the Polish border.
Mr Dutka hasn't spoken to his Ukrainian family yet today but said he will call them as soon as he can. He described the invasion as "deeply, deeply troubling" and distressing, adding:
Mr Dutka, who was due to visit his family this year, said the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation needed to be "more firm" and take a stand against President Putin.
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In the last 24 hours, Russia has launched missile strikes on major cities in Ukraine, forcing people to flee their homes.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss described the attack as an "illegal, unprovoked invasion" and warned the Russian ambassador that the UK would be "imposing severe sanctions".
An advisor to the Ukrainian president has said 40 people died in the first few hours of Russian strikes.
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