Leaders and institutions voice their solidarity over Russia’s invasion of the country
CARDIFF’S leaders and institutions are voicing their solidarity with Ukraine as Russia continues its attacks.
The Senedd in Cardiff Bay and the Welsh Government building in Cathays were lit up last night in blue and yellow, the Ukrainian flag colours, to show their support for the people of the invaded country.
Leader of Cardiff Council Huw Thomas said: “Here in Cardiff we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
“Wales’ capital has a long-standing twinning agreement with the city of Luhansk, and though this has been dormant for many years, our thoughts and prayers are with the ordinary people of that city and of the whole of Ukraine today.
“We condemn utterly the flagrant breach of international law by Russia, and the destruction and tragic loss of life that is already happening, and we add our voice to the calls for a rapid de-escalation of the violence.”
The comments come as Russia continued its invasions into Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, with blasts and explosions seen in the city and around the country.
UK Defence Minister James Heappey told the Commons this morning that the UK would send further armed forces to Estonia “earlier than planned” to offer further military support.
Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford called for UK sanctions against Russia “that really make a difference” and “bite into the economy of the country that has launched this attack”.
“The whole of the world needs to act in solidarity and to take action to make clear to the leaders of Russia that you cannot act in this way,” he said.
He said sanctions against Russia would affect every one of us.
“We have to be prepared to make some sacrifices ourselves in order to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine,” he added.”
Meanwhile, Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats and Member of the Senedd, submitted a Statement of Opinion to the Senedd on February 19, which can now be signed by other members.
It calls formally on the Russian Government to stop further threats to Ukraine’s “territorial and political integrity” and supports the continuation of democracy in Ukraine. It also recognises the longstanding historical ties between Wales and Ukraine.
Ms Dodds said: “We in Wales must show we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their fight to remain free. Should we not, we could see our security and economic stability threatened like never before. Wales must also be prepared to take in Ukrainian refugees should the worst come to pass.
“Within the UK, we urgently need the Conservative Government in Westminster to urgently clean up Russian money-laundering operations in the UK, not least in London and in their own party.”
The Catholic Archbishop of Cardiff George Stack condemned Russia’s actions and invited the clergy to prayer.
“The actions of the Russian Federation are deeply disturbing for international relations and the good of all peoples. Just yesterday, Pope Francis spoke of the pain in his heart over the worsening situation in Ukraine and asked us to make Ash Wednesday a Day of Prayer and Fasting for the situation in the Ukraine.
“I invite all Catholics and people of good in the Archdiocese of Cardiff to join in solidarity in response to these invitations to prayer.”
Other Cardiff religious groups including Emmanuel Baptist Church, The Gathering, and Capital City Church, are also inviting people to pray for Ukraine.
