Birmingham MPs speak out as Russia invades Ukraine

Russia President Vladimir Putin has ordered an invasion of Ukraine, with reports of explosions near major cities across the country.

Ukraine said that Russia has “launched a full-scale invasion”.

Mr Putin announced the action during a televised address early this morning (February 24), saying the move was a response to threats from Ukraine.

He said Russia does not have a goal to occupy Ukraine, but the responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian “regime.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the Russian President has “chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction” with his attack and that the UK and its allies would respond “decisively”.

Mr Johnson announced in the Commons on Tuesday (23 February) that three billionaire allies of Putin and five Russian banks would face punitive measures.

Immediate sanctions will be deployed against banks Rossiya, IS Bank, General Bank, Promsvyazbank and the Black Sea Bank.

The three “very high net wealth individuals” are Gennady Timchenko, Boris Rotenberg, and Igor Rotenberg.

What have Birmingham’s MPs said?

Posting on Twitter, Edgbaston MP Preet Gill said Britain must now “stand in unity to condemn Russian aggression.”

Ms Gill said the government must impose a full package of sanctions and exclude Russia from mechanisms like Swift. She added that Putin’s campaign of misinformation must be tackled and that the government must also stop foreign influence in our political system.

Also posting on Twitter about the crisis Hall Green (Labour) MP Tahir Ali, said: “Russia’s attack on Ukraine is unjustifiable and will have tragic consequences.

“It is clear that we must respond with determination and resolve to save lives and end this conflict I hope and pray that further loss of life can be prevented and that a way to peace can be found.

“We need to ensure tougher sanctions are put in place and that our doors are open to refugees fleeing conflict.”

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