We stand with the Ukrainian people

In a letter to Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, our Mayor of Sutton, Trish Fivey, has expressed on behalf of everyone in Sutton support for the people of Ukraine

Your Excellency Ambassador Prystaiko

I write to you as Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton to express, on behalf of the whole Council and the people of Sutton, solidarity with you and your country at this time.

At last night’s meeting of the Council, the whole Council was united in support of and admiration for the people of Ukraine; and of your struggle to preserve freedom and democracy in your country in the face of a hostile and unprovoked attack.

Watching the events unfold in your country, we are all horrified to see conflict once again scar the European mainland. We see ourselves reflected in the citizens seeking to defend their homeland and take care of their families; and salute their determination and bravery, whilst sharing their fear and anxiety about what may follow. We recognise that there are Ukrainian people living amongst us, and share their anxiety for friends and family; and offer them our support.

The whole world looks on hoping for the possibility of peace and an end to bloodshed. We offer our thoughts and prayers to all, especially those innocent civilians, families and children caught up in these shocking events. We stand with the Ukrainian people, whose endurance and courage has been an inspiration to us all, and hope that you will once again enjoy peace and a strong democracy in your land.

Слава Україні!

Yours sincerely,

The Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Trish Fivey, Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton

Help and support available

If you are Ukrainian, or have family members or friends affected or concerned by the conflict, there are many ways you can get support or help:

• Information or support about what is happening if you are a resident with friends and family in Ukraine (Embassy of Ukraine)
• Organisations supporting people affected (London Plus)
• Donate towards the UN's humanitarian work (United Nations)
• Donate to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal (Red Cross)
• Travel advice (Gov.uk)
• Immigration guidance for Ukrainian nationals applying to join a family route (Gov.uk)