I am sure that everyone’s thoughts are with the people of Ukraine right now. Putin’s actions are hideous. There is no justification for such an unprovoked attack on an independent nation. He must not be allowed to succeed.
This is a man for whom propaganda is an important tool. He has told his people that ethnic Russians in Ukraine are being oppressed. He has told them that their Russian brethren in Ukraine wanted to be liberated. It is all lies. Like many people across eastern Europe, they enjoy the liberation they have had since the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989. It is something that they are willing to fight for.
And so Putin’s invasion isn’t going as well as he expected. The people of Ukraine are fighting back and it is understood that this has come as some surprise to the Russian army.
I am full of admiration for President Zelensky and the brave and inspiriting leadership he is showing to his people.
And I am full of pride that the western nations have come together to show zero tolerance for his indefensible invasion. The economic sanctions will hurt Russia. They will also hurt us. Russia is a big player in world markets and sanctions will lead to higher prices for all of us. We will all have to make sacrifices so that we do the right thing and stand up to Putin. He must not be allowed to succeed.
We will only continue to enjoy peace and freedom when we take decisive and firm action against those who threaten it. I ask that that we all stand four square behind our Government as it us its best endeavours to support Ukraine.