Cornwall MPs condemn Russian invasion of Ukraine... calling it 'deplorable'
They have released statements amid reports of more strikes in Kyiv and other cities
Cornwall's MPs are condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, following reports of more strikes in the capital Kyiv.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister says the city suffered "horrific rocket strikes" overnight on Thursday and compared the attacks to the shelling by Nazi Germany during World War 2.
The UN estimates 100,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, with reports of many sheltering in underground train stations.
The president of Ukraine has made another plea to western allies, claiming "we are alone" in defending his country from Russian forces.
He says almost 140 civilians and soldiers died on the first day of the invasion.
Western allies have agreed fresh sanctions on Moscow, including against Russian banks.
St Austell and Newquay MP Steve Double says his thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, while North Cornwall MP Scott Mann has described the actions as 'deplorable'.
Both MPs have released statements on their social media pages, saying the UK stands with Ukraine.
Steve Double - MP for St Austell and Newquay
Russia’s invasion into Ukraine, shortly following their incursion into Eastern Ukraine, has led to war returning to Europe after decades of peace.
Putin’s indefensible actions in undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty have been swiftly condemned by the UK and our allies, NATO, and the EU.
In his address to the nation today the Prime Minister made clear to the world that the UK will not stand idly by as Russia invades a democratic country of 44 million entirely unprovoked and with no legal basis.
The Prime Minister has spoken with the Ukrainian President to assure him of the UK’s full support.
The Foreign Secretary will be launching an unprecedented package of further sanctions alongside our international partners.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people"
We are also urgently convening discussions with our allies and partners to coordinate a response and make sure that Russia cannot further undermine European stability.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people at this time. I remain determined to do all I can to ensure they receive the support necessary to defend their country at this critical time.
For the past few weeks the clear advice from the Foreign Office to all British citizens has been that they should leave Ukraine as soon as possible.
UK nationals in Ukraine may find commercial travel out of Ukraine and transport infrastructure across the country severely disrupted. The Foreign Office has advised them to register their presence online in order to seek help.
If any constituents are currently in Ukraine they should make the UK government aware of their presence urgently by using the below link.
If I can be of any further assistance please contact me directly on steve.double.mp@parliament.uk or call my office on +44 207 219 4408
Scott Mann - MP for North Cornwall
I have been contacted by residents asking my position on Ukraine. I know it seems a long way from home, but as some have pointed out, this crisis does have the potential to affect our day-to-day lives.
I hope this statement addresses some questions, but please remember that the situation is changing rapidly and some of this could quickly become out of date.
Like you, I deplore what President Putin is doing. His actions over the past few years have already led to thousands of deaths in Ukraine, and his recent address to the Russian people confirms what many had feared - he is contemplating a full-scale invasion and occupation of Ukraine.
Russian troops have already entered the breakaway parts of Ukraine that Putin has spent years destabilising, which has triggered coordinated sanctions against Russian businesses and some individuals.
If Putin invades the rest of Ukraine, more sanctions will be put in place and more support for Ukraine given.
'We have a duty in standing up for the Ukrainian people'
I am pleased the UK has already given millions of pounds worth of lethal equipment such as anti-tank weaponry for Ukraine to use to defend itself, and more equipment is to be delivered in the coming days.
This is not the Victorian age. Countries shouldn't just be able to absorb other countries by force.
Putin is threatening the rules that govern how countries act. We are the fifth richest state on earth and one of the most powerful, so we have a duty to join our friends and allies around the world in standing up for our way of life and for the Ukrainian people. I know if the UK were threatened, I'd want support from other countries too.
We only need to look at the past to know what can happen when dictators threaten others. Our way of life – the freedoms we enjoy living in the UK – can only exist if we are safe from those who want to harm us, and if our neighbours are at peace.
We must also remember that there are millions of Russians, rich and poor, old and young, who do not support Putin and do not support invading Ukraine. We should not tarnish all Russians with the same brush.
I am pleased that the UK has led the way in responding to this crisis and I fully support the actions the government has taken. The fact so many Ukrainian people are publicly thanking the UK is heartening.
These are difficult times, but they will get better.