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Simon Duke

ITV's Richard Gaisford assures GMB viewers over his safety in Ukraine as he broadcasts updates

Good Morning Britain reporter Richard Gaisford has assured concerned viewers and his co-stars over is safety in Ukraine after Russia invaded in the early hours of Thursday.

Russian president Vladimir Putin announced has intentions in an address to the nation, in which he also warned of "consequences greater than any you have faced in history," for anyone who dared to intervene in his military action.

Within moments of the broadcast ending, explosions were heard in Ukraine cities, including its capital Kyiv.

Many UK based viewers woke up to the news as they turned on GMB, with the ITV programme taking a very different course due to the unfolding events in eastern Europe.

READ MORE: Russia Ukraine war as Putin launches full-scale invasion

Hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard crossed live to Richard, who had been giving updates on his Twitter from his base in Kyiv.

The presenters and viewers were left worried for his safety as he spoke about gridlocked roads of terrified people desperate to escape to find safety.

And, directly addressing the concerns, Richard took to Twitter to post a video, in which he said: "We are currently in, what we deem, to be a very safe location."

Richard Gaisford assures GMB viewers over his safety in Ukraine (Twitter)

As the camera panned round, Richard explained that he and his colleagues were under a gazebo, with no buildings around them.

Richard then explained that the team's security adviser had made sure that PPE and body armour were laid out "should it be needed."

He added: "We have heard sirens this morning, air raid warning sirens is what they sounded like. We know that people are trying to leave the city now, but we feel like we're in a very safe place."

Security adviser Dave then appeared on screen, telling the camera that he thought the team's hotel "could be a bigger target."

Richard captioned the video: "Very much appreciate concern being expressed for our safety in Kyiv.

"Hopefully this little video will alleviate any worries about our current situation whilst doing our @GMB broadcasts."

One of Richard's followers replied: "Such a worrying time for all. Please keep safe and thank you for putting yourself out there to provide information to the rest of us. Your families must be beside themselves. God bless."

A second wrote: "Without people like you we wouldn’t see first hand what’s happening all over the world but please stay safe as your life is more important."

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