The MP for Maldon has urged residents to "stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine" on day five of Russia's invasion.

In a statement today (Monday, 28 February), Conservative MP John Whittingdale said he has "many Ukranian friends" and has already heard "heartbreaking stories from them of the increasing loss of life".

He said: "Russia's invasion of Ukraine is completely unprovoked - a flagrant breach of international law and the most serious threat to world peace since the second world war.

"Today we must all stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and give as much assistance to them as we can, while also making sure that Russia pays a high price for its aggression."

Calling for further sanctions against Russia if it continues its invasion, Mr Whittingdale added: "The war that Putin has launched is not just against Ukraine but against democracy and the values that we all hold dear.

"His willingness to tear up the pledges that Russia has made in the Helsinki Final Act, the UN Charter, and most recently the Minsk agreements shows that this is not someone who we can trust or do business with.

"It is essential for global security that his aggression is not allowed to succeed."

Ukraine's interior ministry said yesterday (Sunday, 27 February) that 352 Ukranian civilians had been killed during Russia's invasion, including 14 children.

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It also said 1,684 people, including 116 children, had been wounded.

Mr Whittingdale said: "While we cannot send troops, I hope that all Western nations will do all they can to assist those who are fighting to defend their country and also the innocent civilians being forced to flee."

It comes as negotiations begin between Ukrainian and Russian officials on the Belarusian border.

The aim of the talks is to seek "an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops from Ukraine", the office of president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement.

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