"Bristol stands with Ukraine". These are the words of one of the city's MPs as Russian has started an invasion of the country.
Russia launched a 'full-scale invasion' of the country overnight and Boris Johnson is to make a televised address to the nation this morning. The PM said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction” with his attack on Ukraine, adding the UK and its allies would respond “decisively”.
The PM's statement came after Ukraine's president declared martial law overnight and Russia’s military said it had targeted Ukrainian air bases and other military assets. You can follow our live blog here for the latest updates on the escalating situation.
Read more: Ukrainians in Bristol react to Russia's 'full-scale invasion' - 'I have not slept at all'
Kerry McCarthy, Labour MP for Bristol East, said: "The unprovoked full-scale invasion launched by Russia this morning is an assault on Ukraine, Europe, and democracy itself. It will no doubt result in a catastrophic loss of human life.
"Putin has plunged Europe into war, and I know I speak for people across our city and our country when I offer my full solidarity to all Ukrainians whose right to simply exist is being denied. I know many of those in Bristol with friends and relatives in Ukraine will be waking up this morning fearful. Fearful for those they know, and for the future of Europe. I’d like you to know you are not alone.
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"Putin must understand that he is not unaccountable. His aggression will not be without repercussion. And most importantly, he will not prevail. "I’ll be pursuing the strongest possible package of sanctions for Russia in Parliament. We must act swiftly and decisively to root out all Russian financial influence here in the UK.
"Bristol stands with Ukraine."
Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West who also sits on the National Security Strategy Joint Committee and the Liaison Committee, has also issued a statement.
He said: "I know that all of us in Bristol stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression and clear violation of international law.
"We in Parliament are calling for tough and immediate sanctions on President Putin and his regime and expect to see Britain, along with our allies and partners, to take a strong and united approach."
The Green Party has also issued a statement. Carla Denyer - councillor for Clifton Down and Green Party co-leader - said: “It is with unspeakable sadness that we have today witnessed an unprovoked and unjustified invasion of a European country that will have a devastating impact on the lives of millions of innocent people.
“At this dark time, our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, whose lives have been turned upside down by this dreadful act of aggression. The response from the UK has so far been wholly inadequate."
"We urge the government to immediately impose the strongest of sanctions on Russian economic interests, end once and for all the influence of Russian money in our democracy and launch an investigation into Russian interference in our elections.”
READ MORE: Why is Russia invading Ukraine? History of tensions explained
READ MORE: Ukrainians in Bristol react to Russia's 'full-scale invasion' - 'I have not slept at all'
