MAY I on behalf of the Ukrainian community in Bolton, Ukrainians throughout the world and in particular in Ukraine, thank Mr David Crausby MP for raising the issue of the Russian invasion in Eastern Ukraine with the government . However, in politics, and in particular dealings with Putin, such matters are never simple.

Russia signed the Minsk Agreement not to interfere in the internal politics of Ukraine. So what have we learnt? Putin does not stand by any such agreements. Russian soldiers, tanks and equipment have poured into Ukraine. The Russian army has suffered many losses, the repatriation of 4,500 bodies in cargo 200. We have the largest problem of displaced persons in main land Europe since the war in Serbia. Over 1 million Ukrainians have no homes to live in.

The sanctions are having the desired effect, however, the common people of Russia are the ones affected not people such as Putin. Yet the people most affected and suffering the most are the people of Donbas and Luhansk. Recently, my wife discovered her cousin was sent to Mariupol with his brigade. This is his second tour of duty. When he returned last time, he was physically fine, but mentally scarred. It took him a number of weeks to open up and what he told his immediate family bears no comparison with what was reported in the media or the press.

What Ukraine and all Ukrainians need to secure the porous border with Russia. Her Majesty's Government has to be recommended for the stance The Prime Minister has talked at the G20 in Brisbane. The need is to maintain or increase the pressure on Putin further. The more Russia is isolated, the more Putin will lose his grip on power in Russia. Putin and his like only embark on such policies when they have problems at home.

I therefore, ask that Mr Crausby make further representation to the government about the invasion of Eastern Ukraine and if possible raise the issue on the floor of the House.

Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn

Community Officer

AUGB, Bolton Branch.