This week marked three years since Russia's full-scale re-invasion of Ukraine. 

In those three years, we have witnessed horrors on a scale not seen on our continent in decades. We have also seen the incredible strength and bravery of the Ukrainian people, both those that have stayed in Ukraine and those that have left all they know and love and are here.  

So many of us found ourselves glued to the news in those days preceding the 24 February 2022, not fully believing Russia would dare to launch a full-scale invasion into Ukraine and then watched in horror as they did. 

For Ukrainians who were living a routine we would recognise in the days preceding that day, the horror was all more real. War arrived at their doorstep, and they watched their neighbourhoods' become battlegrounds and their lives as they knew them grind to a halt.  

Amidst all the horrors, I have been enormously proud of our communities here in Warwick, Leamington, Whitnash and the villages and how we have come together to support both those in Ukraine and those that have come to our towns and villages to evade the conflict.  

Within weeks of the invasion, a donation centre was set up in Harbury Lane which was quickly filled with over 50,000kg of donations to Ukraine, Poland and refugee camps in Moldova and Romania, also helping other foodbanks and charities too.

So many residents and businesses generously donated to the centre, with it being one of the largest in the UK. 

That was only the start of the incredible work of our community which continues to this day.

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Over 30 ambulances have been sent to the Ukrainian frontline, thanks to donations from local businesses such as LKQ Euro Car Parts as well as residents.

I have been honoured to join two of the journeys to help deliver the ambulances to the Ukrainian border. 

Residents have stood side by side Ukrainians opening their homes here and working tirelessly to support them with paperwork and however they can. It has been incredible.  

Our new Government continues to show steadfast support to Ukraine with the UK spending on military support for Ukraine to be at its highest level ever this year. 

It is more important than ever that we stand steadfast with Ukraine. We must remember that Russia is not our friend, and this war could end tomorrow if they withdrew their forces and ended their illegal invasion.

Many will try and push Putin's agenda and argue otherwise but they are simply serving him and his aims, not those of the UK, Ukraine or European security. 

The reality is that if we stand back and let Putin proceed, as some may wish, he will not be satisfied. Russia's aggression is a threat, not only to Ukraine, but to global security and stability and has a knock-on effect far wider than just Ukraine. That is why our support is and remains steadfast, and rightly so. 

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any issues or concerns you would like to raise with me. I can be reached at [email protected] on 01926 882006.  

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