Speaking at the reconvened Council Meeting on Tuesday 8 March, Councillor John Ward, the Deputy Mayor of Waverley, reiterated the borough’s support for Ukraine and called the invasion by the Russian Federation an attack on Democracy.
Cllr Ward said: “Like millions around the world, I’m sure residents in Waverley have looked on in horror at the escalating situation in Ukraine. The shocking violence, bombings and attacks by an invading army are something that many of us thought we would never see again in Europe. This is an unprovoked attack on a sovereign, democratic nation by an autocratic rogue state. But it is also more than that. It is an attack on the values of open and free democracies everywhere.
“We have seen in the last couple of days that the Russian Government has banned all traditional and social media outlets, except those that are run by the Russian state. In Russia, it is now a crime, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, to be a free-thinking journalist or to share factual information about the current situation. In seeking to destroy the democracy in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has also abandoned any pretence that democracy currently exists in Russia, and we feel for the ordinary Russian people.
“On behalf of Waverley Borough Council, we condemn the actions of Vladimir Putin and the Russian Government and express horror at the disregard for human life, national sovereignty, and the international rule of law. We urge the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw its troops and weaponry. We also call on the UK Government and its NATO allies to offer the maximum possible humanitarian aid and military support.
“As is usual in these situations, the people that will suffer the most will be civilians – and few could fail to be moved by plight of the people of Ukraine, who have so far demonstrated unbelievable strength and character in response to this horrific attack. All our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and especially with our Ukrainian colleagues in local government who struggle against insurmountable odds to continue to support their communities.
“Above all, we hope for a speedy return to peace and security and a brighter future for a free and democratic Ukraine.”