Ukraine: Rutland & Melton MP urges people to avoid donating clothes, food and medical supplies
Alicia Kearns says, if we want to help, then financial donations are the way to go.
Rutland and Melton's MP is asking people here to NOT donate clothes, food or medical supplies to Ukraine, as the Russian invasion enters its ninth day.
Yesterday, Vladimir Putin insisted the invasion - or what he calls a "special military operation" - is going to plan.
Emergency services in Ukraine say at least 22 people have been killed in an airstrike on schools and homes in the Chernihiv region.
The UN says more than a million people have now fled the violence.
The Queen's reportedly made a "generous donation" to the Disasters Emergency Committee - which is helping refugees.
Alicia Kearns MP says if we want to help, then financial donations are the way to go.
"I’ve been speaking to Ukrainian MPs every few hours. They’ve been very clear - they know it’s meant well, but please do not send clothes, food and medical supplies."
"They are genuinely concerned that those items will be tainted by the Russians, and therefore they are declining those goods.
"Locally there has been an outpouring of support, love, hope, and concern for all those still in Ukraine.
"I know people are desperate to do their bit. So I would ask, please donate money, if you can, to the Red Cross, the ICRC, the DEC Appeal or directly to the Ukrainian government."