COVENTRY North West MP Taiwo Owatemi said the city was united and resolute in its support for Ukraine on the second anniversary of Putin’s illegal and brutal invasion.
Ms Owatemi added it was important to take time to reflect on the sacrifices felt by Ukrainians in defence of their country.
And she thanked the charities, local organisations, and people in Coventry and across the UK who had opened up their homes to Ukrainians and worked to support those displaced by the conflict.
She said: “Coventry has rehomed more than 300 Ukrainian refugees, with Whoberley ward in my constituency being one of the top three areas where people have found sanctuary.
“I pay tribute to the local organisations aiding Ukrainian refugees like the Libraries and Migration team at the council, Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre (CRMC), Roman Leszczyszyn from the Association of Ukrainians in GB (Coventry Branch) and the Ukrainian community.”
Ms Owatemi made it clear that – while there may be a change in government this year – there would be no change in Coventry’s resolve to stand with Ukraine, confront Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes.
Labour Leader Keir Starmer visited Zelenskyy in in Kyiv last year and Starmer, Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey, and Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Zelenskyy when he visited Parliament.
“Coventry will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to win,” added Ms Owatemi.
The estimated impact of the war in Ukraine
Since the war began, the UN said more than 11,000 Ukrainian civilians had been verified as killed and a further 11,000 are missing, but is cautions these figures are likely to be significantly higher.
As of the end of last year, the United States estimated more than 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed, between 100,000 and 120,000 wounded. The UK Government estimated that approximately 350,000 Russian military personnel have been killed or wounded since the start of the conflict.
The UNHCR estimates there are nearly 3.7million internally displaced people in Ukraine, as of January 2024. More than 6.3million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded globally and approximately 14.6million people need humanitarian assistance in 2024.
‘The support will continue in Coventry and from the UK’
Ms Owatemi added: “Coventry is united in support of Ukraine and against Russian aggression.
“On the second anniversary of Putin’s illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine, it is important to remember the sacrifices Ukrainians have been forced to make and to thank those in Coventry North West and across the UK who have worked to support those displaced by the war.
“On Britain’s military help to Ukraine, and on reinforcing NATO allies, the Government has had – and will continue to have – our fullest support.”
“There may be a change in Government this year, but there will be no change in Coventry’s resolve to stand with Ukraine, confront Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes.”
