Although we are thousands of miles away in Watford, we have all been shocked and horrified by the war in Ukraine, where a democratic country has been attacked by the autocratic Vladimir Putin and the Russian army. To see fighting in Europe again has saddened many of us living here.

At this time, our admiration, solidarity and support are with the Ukrainians who are bravely defending their homes and their democracy. It’s a real David and Goliath situation showing us all how we must cherish and safeguard our freedoms, which many of us take for granted.

We can all see the devastation that Putin has unleashed on the Ukrainians. It is utterly deplorable. We must do everything we can to support the Ukrainian people in their hour of need. Watfordians have a long tradition of welcoming refugees, wherever they are from.

I welcome the response of Watford’s charities and local people in showing their generosity to the people of Ukraine.

Read more: War in Ukraine: Candlelit vigil to be held in Bushey

As Labour’s candidate for Mayor here, I can only imagine the stress, strains, and heavy burden of responsibility the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, is shouldering and that of President Zelensky.

For far too long, we have allowed Russian dirty money to pollute our politics. Surely the Conservative Party must now stop taking millions more from Russian oligarchs?

As the tragic death toll rises, with more civilians being killed, soldiers on both sides losing their lives, with destruction of towns and cities, we must never forget the human tragedy of war. Many of us, will be praying for peace and that the fight for democracy and freedom prevails.

  • Cllr Asif Khan is chairman of Watford Labour Party