Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western has paid tribute to the people of Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of the the full-scale Russian invasion of their nation today (Tuesday February 24).

Posting on his Facebook page today, Mr Western said: “We stand resolutely with Ukraine and our European partners in defying Russia’s act of aggression.

“Many of us will vividly remember the scenes on our TV screens in those early days as our European neighbour was invaded and the horror that ensued.

“To begin with, I want to recognise the sheer strength and determination of the Ukrainian people.

Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western with other volunteers who delivered ambulances filled with items of humanitarian aid at the border between Poland and Ukraine. Picture supplied.

placeholder image — Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western with other volunteers who delivered ambulances filled with items of humanitarian aid at the border between Poland and Ukraine. Picture supplied.

"Many in the West didn’t believe Ukraine would last days, never mind years.

“They’ve shown remarkable resistance and resilience in the face of such brutality from the Russian regime.

“They’re not only defending their freedom but also that of Europe, including us here in the UK.

"They’re owed huge respect.”

Mr Western also praised the aid effort made by his constituents to help the people of Ukraine.

He has been among volunteers who have driven from the town in several convoys of ambulances filled with food, clothing and medical supplies, among other items, to the Polish border with Ukraine to be passed on – the vehicles included.

Mr Western said: “I want to recognise the incredible support shown by the people of Warwick, Leamington, Whitnash and the villages towards the people of Ukraine, both those who have made the UK their home and those who remain in Ukraine.

“We’ve seen huge fundraising efforts, support systems established for our new Ukrainian community, dozens of ambulances donated to the frontline and so much more.

"There are too many excellent people to name who have done this work, but they have done the most incredible job and continue to do so.”

This month, two senior diplomats from the embassies of Poland and Ukraine came to Leamington to recognise the extraordinary community effort being made.

Mr Western said: “Ukraine has shown remarkable strength and is owed our support.

"We’ll keep supporting them, both locally and nationally.

"It’s the right thing to do.

"I fear those few that disagree with this do not understand the scale of the threat Russia presents.

“Slavi Ukraini [Victory to Ukraine].