WINSFORD'S MP Edward Timpson has praised the spirit of the Ukrainian people and their president as war engulfs the country.

Last Thursday, February 24, Russia invaded its southern neighbour on the orders of its president, Vladimir Putin.

In the following days, heavy fighting has broken out across Ukraine with dozens of civilians dead and hundreds more wounded.

In response to Russia's aggression Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a raft of sanctions against the country and pledged millions in humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Mr Timpson commended the prime minister's actions and echoed his belief that 'Putin must fail'.

He said: "President Putin has unleashed a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by land, sea and air.

"This is a premeditated and wholly unprovoked attack on a sovereign democratic state.

"My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people and their president, whose defiance, courage, and patriotism in the face of foreign aggression is inspiring.

"The UK and her allies have been clear all along that there would be a severe cost for any further Russian military incursion into Ukraine.

"I commend the world leadership shown by the prime minister in support of Ukraine over these past months, and the leading role he has played in encouraging the West to impose the most severe and coordinated package of sanctions Russia has ever faced in response to Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine. 

"I welcome that the UK has, for a number of years now, worked to support Ukraine's security and defence.

"The UK has trained more than 22,000 members of the Ukrainian army through Operation ORBITAL and, since 2019, assisted Ukraine to build up and sustain a naval capability. 

"In the months prior to the invasion, the UK provided extra support in the form of 2000 anti-armour missiles, which the Ukrainians are now putting to good use.

"The UK has sent further military support to Ukraine since the invasion.

"More than 1,000 British troops have been made ready to support NATO and allies in the event of a humanitarian crisis. These troops are at readiness in the UK to support a humanitarian response in the region should it be needed.

"The prime minister has announced that the UK will be sending an additional £120 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, bringing the total amount of UK aid pledged this year to £220 million.

"The prime minister has said that nothing is off the table when it comes to the UK's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and indeed the desire of its people to live in peace, democracy and free from foreign bullying.

"Putin must fail.

"I am assured the UK Government, standing alongside our friends in Ukraine and allies around the world, using all possible means at its disposal, is urgently engaged in ensuring he does."