THE MAYOR of Rugby and the town’s council leaders have united in their support for Ukraine in the face of the ‘senseless’ war sparked by the Russian invasion.
Mayor Deepah Brojomohun-Roberts has sent a letter of support to Vitali Klitschko, the Mayor of Kyiv.
In her letter, Coun Brojomohun-Roberts has highlighted Rugby’s support of Ukraine as a sovereign, self-governing state, and expressed a wish that the nation would experience peace soon.
And Rugby Borough Council’s (RBC) Group Leaders have issued a joint statement expressing shock and condemnation of Russia’s invasion, describing it as an ‘attack on democracy and freedom’. The statement has been sent to Ms Melinda Simmons, British Ambassador to Ukraine.
The flag of Ukraine is also now flying from Rugby’s Town Hall alongside the Union flag and the flag of St George.
The Mayor’s letter to Mayor Klitschko said: “As Mayor and First Citizen of Rugby, on behalf of Rugby’s residents, I wish to express Rugby’s concern regarding the current situation between Ukraine and Russia, and share Rugby’s solidarity with you and your people.
“Rugby is a proud, multi-racial and diverse town and home to people from many different countries, all of whom are part of our communities. Rugby supports Ukraine as a sovereign, self-governing state and hopes that the situation will be peacefully resolved soon.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by the conflict and we must stand together with our Ukrainian friends at this desperate time.”
The statement from RBC’s group leaders Coun Seb Lowe (Conservative), Coun Jerry Roodhouse (Liberal Democrat) and Coun Maggie O’Rourke (Labour) said: “We are shocked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We stand united in condemnation of this senseless war, which is an attack on democracy and freedom not just in Ukraine, but around the world.
“We stand in full solidarity with the democratically elected president, parliament and government of Ukraine and with the brave people of Ukraine who are now defending their homeland. Our thoughts are with all those killed, injured and displaced by this conflict, and with their families.
“The world is not free and safe without a free and independent Ukraine. Peace must prevail. Our thoughts are also with the people of Russia, who too are victims of this conflict and intimidation.”
Residents who wish to support Ukrainians affected by the invasion can visit https://tinyurl.com/43nmewad for details of charities on the ground and seeking support.
Removal Solutions Rugby has a drop off point for people who would like to make donations, open until tomorrow (Friday March 4). Visit https://tinyurl.com/ye9kktne for more information.
St. Andrew’s Benn School is accepting donations until Wednesday (March 9). Visit https://tinyurl.com/bdh44cmm for more information.
Rugby Lions RFC will hold a collection outside St Andrew’s Church on Saturday (March 5) from 10am to 2pm.
The Coventry Ukrainian Community has created a page with information on the conflict and how to support Ukraine. Visit https://linktr.ee/coventryukrainiancommunity for more information.
