The Mayor of Colchester has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said the borough “stands shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people.”
Cllr Robert Davidson said Colchester will do what it can to support those fleeing the conflict, as well as the Ukrainian and Russian communities already settled in the borough, and urged residents to play their part too.
Last weekend Colchester Town Hall was lit in blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukrainian Flag, in solidarity with the country and its people.
Speaking soon after Russian forces seized control of the key city of Kherson, the Mayor said: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people and condemn in the strongest terms possible Russia’s invasion.
“Whilst we may feel powerless in the face of such horrifying aggression and violence, there are still things we can all do to help those affected and displaced by the conflict, such as donating to charities there on the ground, supporting refugees at the border and providing humanitarian aid for those sheltering in cities like Kyiv. If you can afford it, the British Red Cross, Choose Love, Project Hope, Unicef, APKMUK, and the International Rescue Committee are among the NGOs taking donations for their emergency crisis appeals.
Or please, if you can, donate to The Disasters Emergency Committee and the Government will match-fund up to £20m. Donations can be made by calling 0370 6060 900 or text: CRISIS to 70150 to give £10.
“We also recognise both our Russian and Ukrainian communities in Colchester and continue to support them to live peacefully here. This war is not of their making.”
For information and advice for family members of British nationals in Ukraine, and Ukrainians in Ukraine and the UK, see here: Support for family members of British nationals in Ukraine, and Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine and the UK - GOV.UK
Page last reviewed: 3 March 2022