THE leader of Cheshire West and Chester said the borough ‘stands in solidarity’ with members of the community impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russian armed forces began a full scale assault in the early hours of Thursday, with Russian President Vladimir Putin declaring his intention to ‘demilitarise’ Ukraine via what he termed a ‘special military operation’.
Ukraine’s leadership said at least 40 people had been killed so far in what it called a “full-scale war” targeting the country from the east, north and south.
In a televised address as the attack began, the Russian leader warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would “lead to consequences you have never seen in history”.
In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Cllr Louise Gittins, the leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “I am deeply saddened by the actions of Russia overnight and my thoughts are with the citizens of Ukraine.
“We stand in solidarity with those in our community with links to Ukraine and other sovereign nations in the region and offer our unreserved support during this disturbing time.”
Cllr Gittins also urged Cheshire West and Chester residents to be supportive of each other during the crisis.
She said: “I’m urging everyone in our borough to be kind and look out for each other. Those affected may be your neighbours, friends or work colleagues.”
She added that residents who need advice and support can contact the council by emailing equalities@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or the Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Centre (CHAWREC) at office@chawrec.org.uk or 01244 400730.
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