By Sam Rowlands

MS for North Wales

The scenes unfolding in Ukraine have been utterly horrific and heart-breaking.

As Putin’s bloody and barbaric invasion of Ukraine continues, more families are being torn apart and forced to flee their homes for safety.

This invasion has appalled the world and has united democratic nations in their condemnation of the brutal actions of President Vladimir Putin against one of our European allies.

The horrors that we are witnessing in Ukraine take us back to a dark time, a time we thought was firmly in the past.

It is now right and vitally important that the United Kingdom continues to offer our support and friendship to the people of Ukraine, and stands united against the actions of Putin and his Russian war machine. Standing up against the unjust terror, evil and tyranny.

The United Kingdom has led the fight against Putin with the UK Government sanctioning over 800 Russian individuals and entities, including 18 oligarchs with a combined wealth in excess of $45 billion.

The UK is also now the largest bilateral donor to Ukraine, with £400 million worth of support this year.

People up and down our country now have the chance to support Ukrainians fleeing the conflict with the launch of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, allowing sponsors in the UK to support Ukrainians fleeing this deadly conflict.

Those fleeing Ukraine and coming to the UK will be supported via our Councils, who are already over-stretched in relation to local public services and housing needs.

In light of this, it’s crucial that the Welsh and UK Government come together to financially support our fantastic Councils in enabling them to properly support those who are fleeing Ukraine.

Now is the time for us all to continue being united and doing what we can to support Ukrainians, whilst holding Putin and his allies responsible for their barbaric and indiscriminate attacks on innocent Ukrainian civilians.

Please feel free to contact me by emailing sam.rowlands@senedd.wales or calling on 0300 200 7267.