What is happening in Ukraine is heart-breaking and profoundly wrong. The world is witnessing a wholly unprovoked attack on a sovereign democratic state.

Last year I was appointed a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, so I have been working closely with the Foreign Secretary and her team of Ministers.

In this role I was asked to accompany His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK, during Prime Ministers Questions. There was applause and a standing ovation for him, and for the Ukrainian President who marked a historic first when he addressed the Commons, making him the first foreign leader ever to address the Chamber. Applause is not usually permitted in the Commons but MPs from all sides broke with precedent, united in support for Ukraine.

Read more: #ThereWithUkraine: We're launching our Ukraine appeal - how you can help

At the time of writing, the economic sanctions designed to isolate Russia have caused the rouble to plummet, wiping as much as $250 billion off the Russian stock market before the Kremlin were forced to close the market. It is predicted that the global response will set Russia’s economy back by at least 30 years. Belarus has also been sanctioned for its complicity in Putin's premeditated invasion, further wiping out decades of economic gains. UK aid to Ukraine comes to £395 million, making us the largest humanitarian donor.

Whilst there is more to do and the possibility of darker days ahead, the actions of Russia’s President have not defeated Ukraine, instead we have seen nations unite in support of Ukraine’s patriotism, bravery and defiance.

Putin must fail. The UK Government, standing alongside our friends in Ukraine and allies, is engaged in ensuring he does.

  • Dean Russell is Conservative MP for Watford