THE MP for Central Devon, Mel Stride, has called for further sanctions against Russia after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine today, Thursday, February 24.

Mel Stride told the “Courier”: “We need to now step up the sanctions regime. So far too little has been proposed.

“I am urgently pressing the government on this point.

“Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people at this very difficult time.

“We must do all we can now to support them through the supply of weapons to defend themselves and through tough economic sanctions against the Russian economy and the Putin regime.”

Russia began unleashing air strikes and ground troops across its border into Ukraine this morning and fighting has reportedly left dozens of people dead.

The attack has triggered Western warnings of unprecedented sanctions against Russia as NATO, EU and G7 leaders condemned the invasion and vowed to hold Moscow accountable.

Weeks of intense diplomacy have failed to deter Putin, who amassed more than 150,000 troops on Ukraine’s borders in what the West said was the biggest military build-up in Europe since World War II.

‘SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION’

Putin said in a surprise television interview this morning (Thursday): “I have decided to proceed with a special military operation.”

Shortly afterwards, the first bombardments were heard in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and several other cities.

Russian air strikes hit military installations across the country as ground forces moved in from the north, south and east, forcing many Ukrainians to flee their homes to the sounds of bombing.

Fighting was also seen raging in Chernobyl near the nuclear facility where the 1986 reactor blast leaked radiation.

‘UNLEASHED WAR’

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said today: “Shortly after 4 o’ clock this morning I spoke to president Zelenskyy of Ukraine to offer the continued support of the UK because our worst fears have now come true and all our warnings have proved tragically accurate.

“President Putin of Russia has unleashed war in our European continent. He has attacked a friendly country without any provocation and without any credible excuse.

“Innumerable missiles and bombs have been raining down on an entirely innocent population.

“A vast invasion is underway by land, by sea and by air.

“And this is not in the infamous phrase some faraway country of which we know little.

“We have Ukrainian friends in this country; neighbours, co-workers.

“Ukraine is a country that for decades has enjoyed freedom and democracy and the right to choose its own destiny.

“We – and the world – cannot allow that freedom just to be snuffed out. We cannot and will not just look away.

“It is because we have been so alarmed in recent months at the Russian intimidation that the UK became one of the first countries in Europe to send defensive weaponry to help the Ukrainians.

“Other allies have now done the same and we will do what more we can in the days ahead.

“Today in concert with our allies we will agree a massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy.

“And to that end we must also collectively cease the dependence on Russian oil and gas that for too long has given Putin his grip on western politics.

“Our mission is clear.

“Diplomatically, politically, economically – and eventually, militarily – this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure.

“And so I say to the people of Russia, whose president has just authorised a tidal wave of violence against a fellow Slavic people.

“The parents of Russian soldiers who will lose their lives.

“I cannot believe this is being done in your name or that you really want the pariah status it will bring to the Putin regime

and I say to the Ukrainians in this moment of agony, we are with you we are praying for you and your families

and we are on your side.

ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY

“And if the months ahead are grim, and the flame of freedom burns low, I know that it will blaze bright again in Ukraine because for all his bombs and tanks and missiles I don’t believe that the Russian dictator will ever subdue the national feeling of the Ukrainians and their passionate belief that their country should be free, and I say to the British people and all who have heard the threats from Putin against those who stand with Ukraine, we will of course do everything to keep our country safe.

“We are joined in our outrage by friends and allies around the world.

“We will work with them – for however long it takes – to ensure that the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is restored

because this act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine.

“It is an attack on democracy and freedom in East Europe and around the world.

“This crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign independent European people to choose their own future and that is a right that the UK will always defend.”

SHARE YOUR VIEWS

• Do you have friends or relatives in Ukraine?

Do you have a view about the invasion of Ukraine?

Share your views with fellow “Courier” readers.

Send a letter, with your name, address and a daytime telephone number or alternatively email: [email protected] .