Over the weekend, the Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Michael Lilley, declared his support for the Isle of Wight/Ryde Ukrainian community and those objecting to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent war.
He told News OnTheWight,
“We all need to stand up with Ukrainians who live in our community and all the Ukrainians who are facing the trauma and realities of war and together call for it to stop immediately.
“My heart goes out to them and I, as an IW and Ryde Town Councillor, and as Mayor of Ryde, stand with all those on the Island that have family connections with Ukraine and all those who object to the unjust Russian invasion of Ukraine which is a free and democratic country.”
Lilley: It is a war that is real for some Islanders
He added,
“It is not a faraway war, it is a war that is real for Islanders whose roots are from Ukraine and have friends, families and loved ones fleeing the country or hiding in a bunker as Russian planes bomb their homes.
“We need to stand as fellow human beings and say ‘Stop this unjust and barbaric war!’
“I will be asking IW Council and IW Voluntary Sector to provide support for IW families affected by the war and working with others to raise humanitarian funds to send to those in need in Ukraine.
“Please support.”
As reported by News OnTheWight this morning, volunteers are pulling together on social media to gather items to send to the border to help Ukrainian refugees.
Alliance solidarity with Ukraine
Last week the Alliance Group at Isle of Wight Council declared their solidarity with Ukraine.
They explained that Alliance Members have family, business and friendship relationships with the Ukraine and have been attempting to remain in contact with them regarding their terrifying situation and with concerns for their wellbeing.
