Wales, a nation of sanctuary: What this says about us!

We must continue to stand firm behind our Ukrainian communities in the face of toxic provocation, argues Mick Antoniw MS

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ON FEBRUARY 22, two days before Putin's invasion of Ukraine I was in Kyiv. Along with others we had to leave quickly. The invasion was about to start.

When the rockets started flying, and Russian tanks entered Ukraine from three directions, millions of mainly women, children and elderly were forced to flee.

Over the coming weeks, cities such as Mariupol were systematically destroyed, civilians rounded up and tortured, raped, deported or just murdered.

Men took up arms to fight for their freedom. Europe opened its borders to enable them to take refuge.

In Wales we stepped up to the mark. Overall some 200,000 Ukrainians have been given refuge and protection in the UK: 8,000 in Wales as part of the UK homes for Ukraine scheme or part of the Welsh Government special sponsorship scheme.

Of these around 4,000 are children.

The day after returning from Kyiv there was a Senedd plenary meeting. An emergency debate took place on Ukraine. I spoke. I warned the Senedd there was a new fascism arising in Europe and we had to support Ukraine fighting for freedom and democracy; Ukraine the front line for democracy in Europe. It was an emotional debate for me. I have family serving in Ukraine. My family told me they would stay and fight until the end.

I received a standing ovation. The Welsh Conservative leader praised me and promised that we would stand with Ukraine. I have taken pride in the fact that after forming the Senedd4Ukraine Cross Party Group in the Senedd we have had total political unity.