On behalf of the people of #EastHull I was proud to add my name to the book of solidarity with Ukraine that is held in parliament. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine.

Putin’s actions are a flagrant breach of international law and will have tragic and horrendous consequences. I know people in this country will be feeling worried and uncertain, and I know that Ukrainians here in the UK will be worrying for friends and family back home.

With the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and support for separatists in the Donbas, President Putin has sought to undermine Ukraine and disrupt its path to democracy. I believe it is right that Britain has stepped up defensive military support to Ukraine in the face of aggression over recent months. This is about giving the Ukrainians practical assistance to be able to defend themselves, alongside our economic and diplomatic support.

For Britain’s part, Russia’s attack on Ukraine must be met with the hardest possible sanctions against the Putin regime: it must be isolated, its finances frozen, and its ability to function crippled. That means excluding Russia from financial mechanisms like SWIFT and banning trade in Russian sovereign debt. I therefore welcome the set of sanctions outlined by the Government and I pledge my support for even further measures.

Ukrainians want a democratic future and they should be able to determine their own political destiny. President Putin’s actions are in direct contradiction with the anti-imperialist principle that sovereign nations are free to choose their own allies and their own way of life.

As ever, my team and I are here for you, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me on karl.turner.mp@parliament.uk or 01482 781019