West Dunbartonshire Council has joined worldwide support for Ukraine by raising the flag at its buildings and vowed to “play our part” in housing war refugees.
Ukraine’s colours now fly above the council offices in Church Street as a sign of solidarity for the people of Ukraine following Russia’s invasion last week.
Council leader Jonathan McColl has issued a statement condemning the atrocities, saying: “Like all of us, I was appalled but not surprised to see Russia’s illegal invasion of the sovereign state of Ukraine.
“ Vladimir Putin has brought war back to Europe after 77 years of peace.”
It comes as Russia ramped up assaults on key Ukrainian cities, as President Zelensky pleads for more international assistance and a second round of talks between Ukraine and Russia are set to take place today.
The SNP leader said the region “stands in awe” at the resilience of the Ukrainian people, adding that West Dunbartonshire stands ready to play its part in housing refugees of this war.
He said: “The images of civilians being targeted and people fleeing for their lives are hard to watch, but juxtaposed with that are pictures and stories of great heroism with ordinary Ukrainian citizens joining their armed forced in defence of their nation.
“Putin expected a quick, easy takeover. He expected capitulation from Ukraine’s armed forces and civilians alike, but what we are seeing it people joining their president, taking up arms and defending their homes and cities.
“West Dunbartonshire stands in awe admiration at the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and I urge the UK Prime Minister to do everything we can as a union of nations to support them in their time of need.
"West Dunbartonshire’s citizens and elected representatives stand in unity with Scotland, the UK and all civilised nations in condemning Putin’s aggression.
“We fully support Ukraine’s efforts to repel this attack on their sovereignty and Depute Provost Karen Conaghan has agreed to fly the Ukrainian flag from the council offices as a visible symbol of that support.”
He encouraged residents to donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal, where every pound donated to this appeal will be matched by the UK Government.
The council leader went onto praise the bravery of the Russian citizens who have condemned the attacks, adding: “I also recognise that this attack by Putin’s regime is not supported by ordinary Russian citizens, many of whom are risking their safety and liberty to protest the invasion.
“I applaud their bravery while living in a state that acts to control the thoughts of its citizens, and crushes all opposition or differing opinions with fear and force.
“The world is watching Russia and the Putin regime and there must be consequences for his illegal action.
“As we follow events from afar, we can only hope that practical international support for Ukraine and growing pressure on the Putin regime are successful in minimising the loss of innocent lives and repelling the invasion.”
The appeal can be found at https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal.
