Ukraine: St Helens MP condemns 'travesty' of Russian invasion

After weeks of political tension and an increasing Russian military presence on the border of Ukraine, there have been reports of attacks on Ukrainian military infrastructure today (Thursday, February 24).

Russian convoys are said to have entered Ukraine from multiple directions, and explosions have been heard across the country.

Military and civilian casualties have been reported.

Russian convoys have entered areas of Ukraine (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP)

The crisis has unfolded due to Russian President Vladimir Putin feeling threatened by the expansion of NATO in Europe and the prospect of Ukraine joining the political organisation.

In a televised speech, President Putin urged Ukrainian soldiers in the combat zone to lay down their weapons, but said clashes were inevitable and "only a question of time".

He added that any intervention from outside powers to resist the Russian attack would be met with an "instant" response.

What St Helens MPs are saying:

Marie Rimmer MP (Image: Marie Rimmer MP)

St Helens South & Whiston MP Marie Rimmer said: “This invasion will be a travesty for the people of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin has shown the world for what he is. A ruthless dictator that is invading a sovereign nation.  

“Putin is afraid of having a thriving and free democratic major nation as a neighbour. He wants countries that Russia used to control to fail. He is terrified of the Russian people seeing what life can be like after dictatorship.

"The world must unite in its condemnation of Putin and the sanctions must be the toughest ever seen. The Russian oligarchs that prop up the Putin dictatorship have their money in London - the Government must crack down on it."

Conor McGinn MP (Image: Conor McGinn MP)

St Helens North MP Conor McGinn said: “The situation in Ukraine is incredibly serious and we stand united in opposition to Russian belligerence and in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

“It is critical that the UK, in close partnership with our international allies, demonstrates a very strong, robust and united response to deal with the threat of Russian aggression, guided by the principles of deterrence and diplomacy.

“But alongside action abroad, proper action is also needed at home to tackle corruption and Russian influence. The Conservatives have not simply failed to challenge this - they have actually enabled it.”

What are other leaders saying?

Boris Johnson addressing the nation (PA)

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the "hideous and barbaric venture by Vladimir Putin must end in failure".

He told Ukrainians that the UK was "on your side".

US President Joe Biden said Mr Putin had "chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering".

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg condemned Russia's "reckless attack" saying it "puts at risk countless civilian lives", while EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Europe was "facing its darkest hours since World War Two".