This is how many Russian and Ukrainian people live in the West Midlands

It was the news many of us were hoping would never happen.

But this morning (Thursday, February 24) we awoke to the announcement that Russia has invaded Ukraine.

Reports from Ukraine have featured the terror that people living there are facing, with many unsure of whether they should flea there homes or what the future holds.

Birmingham and the wider West Midlands is home to thousands of people who live in the Ukraine and Russia - many with close ties to their native countries.

The British government’s Office for National Statistics Annual Population Survey has detailed the number of Russian and Ukrainian people living across the country.

The details for the West Midlands are as follows:

Estimated resident population born in Russia: 5,000

Estimated resident population with Russian nationality: 7,000

Estimated resident population born in Ukraine: 1,000

Estimated resident population with Ukrainian nationality: Confidential.

How do these figures compare to other regions across England?

London has the highest number of Russian and Ukrainian residents.

There are 28,000 people living in the capital who were born in Russia and 15,000 with Russian nationality.

There are 15,000 Ukrainian born residents living in London and 8,000 people with Ukrainian nationality.

You can see the full table below.

What has the government said about Russia’s attack on Ukraine?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told the BBC that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a “catastrophe for our continent”.

He chaired an emergency Cobra meeting earlier and will give a televised statement later on the UK’s response to Russia’s "unprovoked attack".

Mr Putin has insisted he does not plan to occupy Ukraine, but Ukraine has branded it a "full-scale invasion".

Mr Johnson will outline new sanctions against Russia in the Commons at 17:00 GMT.

Birmingham MPs have spoken out against the invasion.

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

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.”

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