'There is misery and uncertainty': Bolton Ukrainian community's fears for friends and family amid rising Russia tension

The chairman of Bolton's Ukrainian Cultural Centre has spoken about the 'uncertainty' faced by those in Ukraine amid fears of a Russian invasion.

Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn's parents came to the UK as refugees following the Second World War.

The 68-year-old is now chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Bolton branch.

READ MORE:Ukrainians fear for their homeland as terrified women and children search for hiding places

It is a one of 28 branches in the UK, which exist to develop, promote and support the interests of the Ukrainian community in the UK.

Last night (February 11) British nationals in Ukraine were urged by the Foreign Office to leave the country immediately as fears over a Russian invasion mount.

Following an emergency meeting of all the AUGB branches an appeal was set up to try and raise funds for medicines, food and other resources for families in Ukraine.

Speaking about the ongoing crisis, Yaroslaw told the Manchester Evening News : "It's not just a question of looking at casualties but also the human aspect and the misery.

"I have family in western Ukraine, that said, my cousin has not contacted me for a while now and I wonder whether some of their family may be in the armed forces and they don't want me worrying.

"I just don't know. It's the uncertainty."

As of this afternoon (February 12) more than £14,700 had been donated to the emergency appeal.

Yaroslaw said he will also be trying to organise a 'bring a bottle' raffle to raise further funds.

He added: “The UK signed The Budapest Memorandum along with the US and Russian Federation in 1994 to respect the Independence, Sovereignty and the existing borders of Ukraine.

"The UK and US have always strongly supported Ukraine on the