Prayers for Ukraine

I'm absolutely sickened with the events unfolding in front of our eyes from Ukraine.

In 2012, I had the pleasure of spending two weeks travelling around the Country visiting Donetsk, Kharkiv, Lviv and the Capital Kyiv, for the Euro football tournament.

On my travels, I met so many wonderful people who proudly opened up their arms to welcome fans to their Country. It was a heart-warming humbling experience and one I'll never ever forget.

I spent the majority of my time in both the Donbass region and Kyiv. I had a great time in Donetsk. Sadly, in 2014, Putin annexed the Crimea. Consequently, Donetsk became a war zone and a separatist area under Russian control.

I find it hard to imagine the city I knew back then compared to the one its become today. In my opinion, Europe and the rest of the World simply didn’t do enough to punish or deter Putin and Russia for their actions.

Time has moved on and Putin has now decided to invade Ukraine. The Country

has become a war zone with an assault on its Capital.

I have spent time in Kyiv. It is a great city, with fantastic sights and wonderful people. I remember being in the main square when Ukraine hosted the international football tournament.

Thousands of fans from all parts of Europe mingled and partied together. It was a colourful and vibrant experience enhanced by every Ukrainian citizen who joined in the celebrations.

I have an affection for Ukraine and its people. When I turn on the TV and see such horrific scenes, I feel sick. I cannot believe that the streets I walked and partied on are now a war zone.

I feel helpless and desperately sad for the people caught up in this terrible situation. I can't imagine for one minute how frightening it must be for them all.

Putin and Russia must not be allowed to get away with their barbaric actions. I detest the man.

Simply, war is unacceptable and must stop! Europe and its allies must come together as one to ensure the Dictator of this pariah state is punished once and for all.

My thoughts are with every Ukrainian and I pray for them and their Country every day.

Alan Wilson

Shapwick Close

Swindon

Pathetic sanctions

An open letter to Robert Buckland: What are you doing to end Russian influence over members in Parliament, including our Prime Minister.

Russia is bombing civilians and attempting to invade a democratic independent and sovereign nation in Europe. The UK holds much of the wealth stolen from the Russian people (in London and offshore). The sanctions imposed so far are pathetic and an insult to those being murdered.

We could actually hurt Putin but we are not. Saying that going further would hurt our economy is shameful.

In fact, confiscating this wealth may boost our economy. I am fed up with the lies coming out of Downing Street.

All this does is make Boris Johnson appear as if he is a Russian asset.

What are you doing?

Martin Wiltshire

Old Town

Swindon

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