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Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat praises border guards on his visit to Poland and declares Putin is 'bringing war to Russia'

15:52, 01 April 2022

updated: 15:55, 01 April 2022

A Kent MP is in Poland to speak with politicians about Ukrainian refugees as he declares Vladimir Putin is "bringing his war to his own Russia".

Former soldier turned MP Tom Tugendhat, who represents Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling, has travelled to the country to speak with officials from Ukraine and Poland about the refugee crisis.

Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat has visited Poland and praised their border guards. Picture: Tom Tugendhat/Twitter (55830292)
Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat has visited Poland and praised their border guards. Picture: Tom Tugendhat/Twitter (55830292)

While on his travels he has spoken with Polish media, as well as MPs from both countries, and praised Poland for its efforts in helping refugees flee the war-torn country.

Filming himself at the border of the two countries he said: "So behind me you can see a camp for volunteers who are all offering things like hot food, water, nappies, baby bottles, baby milk and all that sort of thing.

"It's volunteers from around the world - from Israel, the UK, France and many other places - and it's remarkable what's being offered now.

"It's pretty busy now and there's many people who still need assistance because about 4,000 people are coming through every day and 3,000 every night and that just tells you the pressure on the Polish border guards.

"I have to say the calm and controlled way they are dealing with all these people and the kindness their showing is inspirational.

"The Polish people and government are really showing themselves in a very, very good light. I am extraordinarily impressed."

Alongside the video, the Tory MP wrote: "My filming is appalling, their kindness is inspiring.

"The sight of such human misery was bleak but the response to it was joyful. Thank you to all - Polish gov, volunteers, border guards - for all you’re doing for Ukrainians and others in need."

The Foreign Affairs Committee chair also met with ministers Bartosz Grodecki and Paweł Szefernaker from Poland's Ministry of the Interior and Administration, where they discussed the UK's aid for Ukrainian refugees.

He said: "A privilege to meet colleagues and friends from our closest partners against Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine."

Ukrainians arriving at a border crossing in Medyka, Poland. Picture: Visar Kryeziu/AP/PA
Ukrainians arriving at a border crossing in Medyka, Poland. Picture: Visar Kryeziu/AP/PA

Following the meeting and reports of more Russian conscripts, the Kent MP tweeted: "A lot of Russian families will be in mourning soon. Putin is murdering his own people as well as Ukrainians."

He also said: "Putin is bringing his war to his own Russia."

Mr Tugendhat was also pictured alongside a Polish border guard, adding: "Poland’s border guards are doing an extraordinary job and showing great kindness to very vulnerable and desperate people seeking help.

"The army of volunteers helping is inspiring."
Earlier this week the county council was criticised for its lack of action in rehoming Ukrainian refugees, but said it was doing "everything it could".

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