Malta-based iGaming Group COO says company has offered to fly staff out of Ukraine

Phil Pearson, the Chief Operations Officer of Malta-based company iGaming Group, has said the company is offering to relocate staff in Ukraine, following the invasion of the country by Russian forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced early on Thursday morning that military forces had launched a “special operation” in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, while missile strikes and helicopter attacks have also been reported across the country’s major cities throughout the day.

"Obviously our thoughts and hopes are with the people of the country. But for us it's a bit more personal," Mr Pearson said, adding that the company had staff in various areas of Ukraine.

"We have offered to relocate them and fly them out on company funds, and arrange accommodation for them and their immediate families, paid by us. We have 24/7 staff on call if anything happens and they need any assistance," he said.

Mr Pearson insisted he wasn't writing "for likes", but in the hope that other companies would see his words and do the same.

"In a world so connected, so unified mostly against various things, it's incredible how something so drastic and horrific is still in today's culture. Sanctions don't always cut it, so I hope they find a resolution," he concluded before telling people to be safe and take care of each other.