A DARLINGTON supporter in Ukraine who says he witnessed the bombing of an airport has described his struggle to return home as Russia invades the country.

Karl Alexander has fled from the capital, Kyiv, and is currently in Kramatorsk, a city in eastern Ukraine.

Read more: County Durham woman flees Ukraine just before Russia launches full scale invasion

The Northern Echo:

He was visiting the country so that he and partner Eelena Dudchenko could finalise details ahead of their wedding next month in Kyiv.

The ceremony will now be rearranged as Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine from the north, east and south.

People in Kyiv have been hearing explosions and air-raid sirens throughout the day and Mr Alexander says he witnessed the bombing of Kramatorsk’s airport.

Thousands of people have been trying to flee and seek safety in neighbouring countries, with Mr Alexander heading for Poland.

He and Mrs Dudchenko hope to fly from there to the UK, though there is no certainty they will be able to do so.

Speaking to The Northern Echo via text message, the 57-year-old originally from Colchester explained: “They’ve cut communications so phones are down, so I’m surprised I can use WhatsApp.

The Northern Echo:

“Getting home is a problem. I got the last Ryanair flight from Stansted to Kyiv and we got the last train from Kyiv to Kramatorsk.

Read more: Ukraine crisis LIVE: Updates as Russia invades country

“Martial law has been imposed, there’s Russians everywhere and the roads are blocked. Ryanair have cancelled flights so to get home so I’ve got to get to Poland.

“To be fair, I’m chilled about the situation. Getting money was a problem as the banks have run out now and the queues for food are crazy.

“Locals are resentful. They don’t seem scared but want revenge. I saw the bombing at Kramatorsk Airport, there are Russians everywhere.

The Northern Echo:

“The locals didn’t think this would really happen as the Russians have been on the border since 2012.”

The plan is to fly from Poland to UK, but Mr Alexander added: “Eelena’s daughter hasn’t got a visa, so that’s another issue. If they waiver that then, yes.”

He is, however, trying to remain light-hearted in the situation, and added: “I have 47 cans of Czech lager but only three pairs of pants!”

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