Eccentric Brit pensioner loves Putin, proudly waves Russian flag outside flat

Locals couldn't believe it when they saw the massive Russian flags flying outside the elderly man's flat, and say that unless something is done about the display "it could cause problems." 

An eccentric Hampshire pensioner who flies Russian flags to show his love for Vladimir Putin has caused uproar in an over-60s apartment block, The Daily Star reports. 

Fellow residents were shocked when the Russian presidential flag and the state emblem of the former Soviet Union appeared outside the flat in Southampton.

They fear that there could be reprisals from people who assume the whole block is communist or pro-Putin.

According to Government data published earlier this month, more than 180 visas have been granted for refugees from Ukraine to settle in Southampton.

Many of those arriving have told of the horrors of war including regular bomb and missile attacks.

Steven Neary, who lives in the block, said he was stunned to see the flags outside his neighbour's home when he arrived back from Cyprus this weekend.

The 67-year-old said: "It was a shock when I came back from holiday to see the flags. We live in quiet over-60s flats.

"I think that if nothing is done it could cause problems as most people support Ukraine. Youngsters could come and see that and kick-off.

"He [the neighbour] must know what he's doing."

Fellow neighbour Tony Johnson, 72, said he has reported the flags to police, adding: "You know what the Russians are doing to innocent people."

Margaret Wragg, another neighbour, "couldn't believe it" when she saw a flag in support of Russia flying on the communal walkway and reported it to Southampton City Council, which manages the flats.

The 76-year-old said: "We are all worried. It needs to be sorted before there's trouble.

"We just want to live our lives in peace, that's all we want to do at our age."

She added that she approached the neighbour who owns the flags and he told her: "Don't touch that, it's Putin's."

The resident who owns the flags told reporters that he wanted to remain anonymous and while he is a fan of President Putin he "does not agree with the war".