The eyes of the world are on Ukraine as Vladimir Putin recognises separatists in the east of Ukraine as independent stat and masses an invasion force on the border.
President Joe Biden has also said he is convinced the Russian President could launch an invasion in the coming days, with Kiev a potential key target. Putin's recognition of the self-declared people's republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, which are home to Russia-backed rebels, torpedoes the peace talks and raises the prospect of Russia deploying troops in the region under the guise of being peacemakers. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said the UK will announce sanctions in response.
Labour Senedd member Mick Antoniw and Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price have travelled to the country, in spite of UK Government advice saying it is not safe to travel there. Mr Price has responded to criticism saying that he had a choice, whether to "either comment from afar behind a phone or laptop, or come here to connect & understand on a human, meaningful level".
Read more: Russian invasion of Ukraine 'biggest war in Europe since WWII
Mr Antoniw, who is also a Welsh Government cabinet member, holding the Counsel General brief, has today shared a video from Kiev.
"We're here in Kiev to show our solidarity with the people of Ukraine, the trade unions and civic organisations, those people who often get ignored, but above all to show people back home to show what the consequences of war are and who we've got to stand solidly with the Ukrainian people.
"I think it's that which Putin fears the most, the fact that on his border will be a democratic country, a prosperous country."
Mr Antoniw says he was there in 2014 during the Maidan revolution "when the first shootings occurred". In the video, he stands in front of a photo wall of 14,000 people who he says were killed since Russia invaded Ukraine and occupied Crimea.
Conservative MS James Evans said Senedd politicians had "no role to play in this matter". He tweeted: "British Government officials and our world class civil servants are in the midst of a very delicate situation in Ukraine. Devolved politicians have no role to play in this matter and should not have made the risky journey."
Fellow Conservative Vale of Clwyd's Gareth Davies, said: "This is reckless for a Welsh Gov Minister and the Leader of a Party to not heed strong gov advice and just wade into Ukraine regardless. I hope you get back to Wales safely, but please justify this on return and explain who paid for this dangerous trip."
Their colleague Tom Giffard, who represents South Wales West, shared on Facebook: "t is unbelievable that the Leader of Plaid Cymru and a Welsh Labour Government Minister have travelled to Ukraine, against UK Foreign Office travel advice.
"They have no formal role, and their presence will do nothing to avoid the conflict, but will only put themselves and others in potential danger."
Mr Price responded on Twitter saying: "I see my visit here has caused quite a controversy. To clarify, I am here in a personal capacity, paid from my own pocket. I felt I had a choice - to either comment from afar behind a phone or laptop, or come here to connect & understand on a human, meaningful level.
"I am obviously not here to solve the conflict, but I am here to show solidarity in a time where real, meaningful connection with real people means far more than a tweet, a press release or just another soundbite from a politician at home in their comfort zone.
"It’s not going to be a good time to travel here for a long time and Senedd recess provided a window. If we want to see truly connect with the world, then we must reach out in meaningful ways, even if that may feel uncomfortable at times. Mewn Undod Mae Nerth. Adam."
Mr Antoniw has also issued a statement via his Facebook page.
"With the Senedd in recess, I am currently in Ukraine in a personal capacity, to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine against Russian imperialism. I have paid for this trip out of my own pocket. Many of you will know about my Ukrainian background - I have family here, so this issue is very close to my heart. I'm here to meet with trade unions and minority groups to let them know that they have our solidarity.
"I firmly believe that as politicians we sometimes have to stand up and be counted, and be seen to be counted. That's why I am here. I and my fellow travellers are being very cautious, not taking any unnecessary risks, but what is important at this time is engaging with Ukrainian politicians and Ukrainian people saying 'look, we are with you, we are not abandoning you and you have our solidarity."
They have travelled as part of what is called a UK delegation. It includes journalist Paul Mason, Mick Whelan from the Aslef union, Chris Kitchen from the National Union of Mineworkers, and former Labour MEP Julie Ward.
In an an hour-long address on Monday, Putin said that modern Ukraine had been "created" by Soviet Russia, referring to the country as "ancient Russian lands".
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