At this afternoon’s meeting of full council, Monmouthshire County Council’s Chairman, Cllr. Mat Feakins issued the following statement as the session began:

“The events unfolding in the democracy of Ukraine over the last seven days are traumatic and tragic. I don’t think any of us expected to see events of this nature in our lifetime. This Council has made clear its support for Ukraine and its people. We will be a county of sanctuary once more and play a full part in any U.K. resettlement programme for Ukrainians displaced by the disgraceful actions of Russia.

“There are various donation schemes up and running across the country and we extend our thanks to those who are committing themselves to this task. We are also recognising that the quickest way to get aid to Ukraine is through financial support and we have publicised charities with international reach best placed to achieve this.

“The Council is reviewing its financial affairs to ensure that if we have arrangements in place that are beneficial to Russia, these are closed.”