COLCHESTER’S MP says he is “appalled and alarmed” after Russian troops invaded Ukraine.

Missile strikes have been seen across the country, including its capital Kyiv where smoke has been seen rising over buildings.

It has sparked genuine concerns about war in Europe as Prime Minister Boris Johnson begins to issue sanctions on Russia in a desperate effort to make President Vladimir Putin reconsider.

Will Quince, Colchester’s MP, told the Gazette he supports the Prime Minister’s efforts during what he labelled “a dark moment”.

He said: “I am appalled and alarmed that President Putin has unleashed a war of aggression against our Ukrainian friends.

Gazette:

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“Our thoughts are with them during this dark moment and we condemn Russia’s actions in the strongest possible terms.

“The Prime Minister has spoken with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps and we are working closely with our partners and allies to introduce a package of massive and severe sanctions against Russia.

“We are also working closely with our NATO allies to increase NATO’s defenses and send British troops to help secure its borders.

“This is an attack on Ukraine, its people, and democracy itself and I support the Prime Minister’s commitment that the UK cannot and will not look the other way.”

Gazette:

Harwich and north Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin, who has long been wary of impending conflict between the nations, added Mr Putin deserves punishment.

He said: “President Putin has already achieved so much of what he has set out to achieve and he may have no intention of launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but he has already committed the crimes that deserve the most punishment from the free world.

“What are we going to do to continue to strengthen Nato, to unify Nato, which is exactly, of course, what he didn’t want his policy to achieve?”

Home Secretary Priti Patel, who represents Stanway, said the people of Ukraine have “our unwavering support” and any attack on the UK will be met with a “robust response”.

She added: “Russia’s unjustified and unjustifiable attack on a democratic sovereign nation makes this a dark day in Europe.”