The Russian assault on Ukraine has been looming for some months but until the past few weeks it was hoped the build up of troops on Ukraine’s border was more of a threat than an action.
But the unprovoked Russian attacked on Ukraine began. It is one of those events one hopes never to see. I know there are people living here in Brentwood and Ongar who have friends and family living in Ukraine, and bordering countries, and there is a great deal of fear and distress about what is happening and what might develop.
Tough economic sanctions are being imposed on Russia by the UK and our US and European allies, while part of my Parliamentary duties this week have included taking part in the debates and votes which will fast-track the Economic Crime Bill through parliament, to include a new register which will mean foreign owners of UK property have to declare and verify their identities or face up to five years in prison.
The Government is doing all it can to support the Ukrainian people. £40 million of further humanitarian aid is providing vital medical supplies, while UK Government humanitarian experts have also deployed to the region to support those fleeing the violence in Ukraine. The Prime Minister has made it clear people who are settle in the UK can bring Ukrainian members of their immediate family to join them here.
I know local people are starting to put together collections of clothes, baby food and supplies, and basic toiletries to take to those who have fled Ukraine and who are either in Poland and Romania waiting to join family elsewhere, or heading here with little more than they stand up in.
It is shocking to see people in a modern European city like Kyiv forced to flee their country because of Russia’s actions, and I echo the words of the Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, in saying we stand with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, in its hour of need.
