Politicians across Wales have been speaking out in solidarity with Ukraine, after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military invasion in the early hours of this morning.

Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Jane Dodds MS has called for Welsh solidarity with Ukraine on “an extremely dark day for Europe and the world”.

Welsh Conservatives have called for the Senedd to be lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, with Montgomeryshire MS Russell George labelling Vladimir Putin a “despicable leader”.

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price MS, who visited Ukraine over the weekend in a personal capacity as part of a delegation, also spoke out about “Putin’s horrific and illegal attacks on Ukraine overnight”.

In the early hours of this morning (24 February), Russian forces launched a military invasion of Ukraine after weeks of growing tensions. Air strikes have taken place in cities across Ukraine today, including in the capital Kyiv. Dozens of civilians have been reportedly killed in missile strikes and shelling.

Jane Dodds MS said Wales must be prepared to support Ukrainian refugees and provide humanitarian aid: “The Russian regimes’ invasion of Ukraine is a terrible human tragedy and is now unfolding before our very eyes. We must stand with the people of Ukraine.

"Putin’s maniacal ambitions will stop at nothing. The blood of every innocent Ukrainian who perishes in this entirely unprovoked and illegal invasion is on his hands.

“We in Wales must show we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their fight to remain free. Should we not, we could see our security and economic stability threatened like never before.

“Within the UK, we urgently need the Conservative Government in Westminster to clean up Russian money-laundering operations in the UK, not least in London and in their own party.

“We need to unleash hard-hitting economic sanctions right now. There must be NO delay and we cannot waver.”

Russell George MS said: “The latest news is deeply troubling and shows just how precarious the peace in Eastern Europe is. Mr Putin is a despicable leader.

“The world must be resolute in standing behind the Ukrainian Government and preserve its place as a free and democratic country. The democratic alliance must now provide all the support required to achieve that goal and assist the refugees that all wars inevitably create.

“Mr Putin must be left in no doubt at all that the democracies of the world will not stand by and let his aggressive actions go unchecked. If we do, it might be Ukraine today, but someone else tomorrow.”

Adam Price MS added: “What became clear by speaking directly to Ukrainian families, organisations and trade unions during my visit to Kyiv was that they are an incredibly resilient people. They will fight to protect their nation’s independence.

“The threat of sanctions clearly hasn’t worked, and the Conservative UK government’s failure to curb the Russian money that swills around London has played a part in emboldening Putin. A wide-ranging trade and investment embargo and the severing of all financial links is vital to disrupt Putin’s war chest and impose an unbearable burden on Russia.”