Tameside politicians have condemned the actions of Vladimir Putin who has unleashed Russian forces on neighbouring Ukraine. 

Russian forces launched a military assault on Ukraine, crossing its borders and bombing targets near big cities.

In a pre-dawn TV statement, Russian President Putin said Russia did not plan to occupy Ukraine and demanded that its military lay down their arms.

Moments later, attacks were reported on Ukrainian military targets. Ukraine said that "Putin has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine".

Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner, who attended meetings in the Cabinet Office on Thursday (24 February), described Putin's attack on Ukraine as "unprovoked and unjustifiable". 

She said: "His actions will have horrendous and tragic consequences that will echo throughout the world and throughout history.

"All those who believe in the triumph of democracy over dictatorship, good over evil, freedom over the jackboot of tyranny must now support the Ukrainian people. They have been cast onto the frontline of a war, simply for existing.

"There can be no space for equivocation when faced with the evil that Putin has unleashed. His actions pose a grave threat to the international order on which we all depend.

"There will be dark days ahead. But Putin will learn the same lesson as Europe’s tyrants of the last century: that the resolve of the world is harder than he imagines and the desire for liberty burns stronger than ever. The light will prevail.

"I know people in this country will be feeling worried and uncertain. And I know that Ukrainians and Russians here in the U.K. will be worrying for friends and family back home. Our hearts are with them today.

"We must now match our rhetoric with action. We must urgently reinforce our NATO allies. The hardest possible sanctions must be taken against all those linked to Putin.

"The influence of Russian money must be extricated from the U.K. And those who have for too long turned a blind eye to Russia’s actions must reckon with their own consciences." 

Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds said the invasion will have "horrendous and tragic consequences". 

He added: "We must stand with and give our full solidarity to the people of Ukraine.

"So far there are confirmed reports of Russian cruise missiles strikes on Ukrainian cities, command posts, and air defences. It is clear Russia has invaded from multiple directions – from the north, south, and east. This goes well beyond the breakaway regions in the east of Ukraine. The assumption must be that the Russian intention is to surround Kyiv and overthrow the Government, installing a pro-Russian puppet state. Ukraine has a considerable army, but it is unclear how long they will be able to withstand Russia’s military superiority.

"The consequences of this action will be significant, and they will last years. The security situation in Europe has now fundamentally changed and we will have to respond to that. As an immediate action, I would expect NATO will activate the NATO Response Force to reinforce those NATO members on what is now a new frontline. Russia’s aggression will likely have a material impact on all of our lives, not least in what will likely happen to commodity prices, including fuel, in what is already an extremely difficult cost of living crisis.

"Our own Government must now come forward with a far more serious package of sanctions than was announced yesterday (Wednesday)." 

Locally, Ashton Ukrainian Association is helping to promote an emergency aid appeal to help people in Ukraine fund ongoing needs, which has so far raised over £58,000. 

You can support it here: 

The Polish community has also showed its support, displaying a sign close to the Ukrainian centre on Stockport Road in Ashton which says 'Never Give Up! Free Ukraine. Polish families support Ukraine.' 

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