A Salford councillor from Ukraine delivered an emotional speech on her war-ravaged homeland during a town hall meeting.
Councillor Tanya Burch spoke on the situation during a debate opposing the Russian invasion - and how it is impacting on her family.
A motion was put forward by city mayor Paul Dennett, who decorated his desk with a Ukrainian flag, calling out Russia for their actions.
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It urged the government to reassess the current offer of assistance for those forced to leave Ukraine, which currently restricts access only to those with close family at this stage.
Councillor Burch said: “To us Ukrainians it is another day of war. Brainwashed by Russian propaganda, they claim they have invaded my home country to 'liberate' us.
“My sister who lived all her life in Ukraine as a doctor has spent her life treating sick children. She did not need to be liberated. I didn't need to be liberated and neither did my family.
“All that until across the border a pathological dictator who wants to resurrect the USSR. So in death and destruction, raping women, looting shops and shelling hospitals and committing war crimes and killing our people. The Russian military seized the largest hospital in Ukraine holding 400 innocent patients in intensive care and doctors and nurses taken hostage.
“This is a rare breed of cruelty. Many Ukrainians feel a deep wound caused by the Russian military.
“One day soon we will wipe our tears and rebuild our country. Ukraine will arise out of the ashes. We will definitely win because good always wins over evil.”
Mr Dennett spoke highly of the residents of Salford who have thrown their support behind Ukrainians, stating their spirit embodies the people of the city.
After the motion was carried, the mayor went on to talk about the situation with gas supply and the city’s dependence on Russia.
Coun Adrian Brocklehurst questioned the mayor on severing ties with Gazprom and the impact on public run facilities like nurseries and schools.
Salford council has a deal with Gazprom worth £1.8m over two years, which is up for renewal in June.
The M.E.N. reported in June 2020 that Salford awarded Gazprom a contract to supply the city’s schools, libraries and leisure centres for two years.
Last week, the city's mayor Paul Dennett wrote to Levelling Up, Housing and Communities secretary Michael Gove calling on the government to sanction the firm.
He added that Salford council did not want to renew the deal and was 'fully supportive' of economic sanctions against Russia. However, he urged a 'flexible approach' for councils who 'should wish to divest of our dependence on Russian state-owned companies'.
