Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby says that Leicester is ready to welcome refugees fleeing the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
He said:” The city council strongly condemns Russia’s completely unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine.
“We also call on the governments of Europe and the United Kingdom not to neglect the immediate needs of the Ukrainian people fleeing this humanitarian disaster.
“Together, we must all offer refuge to those seeking sanctuary from Russia’s invasion.
“In Leicester, we will welcome those seeking refuge from conflict and oppression, as we have always done, and will be ready to offer sanctuary to the people of Ukraine as required.
"In the meantime we stand in solidarity with them and will take whatever actions we can to show our support, including cancelling performances by the Russian State Ballet which were due to take place at De Montfort Hall on 17, 18 and 19 March.”
The city council is lighting City Hall, De Montfort Hall and the Arch of Remembrance on Victoria Park in the colours of the Ukrainian flag - blue and yellow, and projecting an image of the flag in Green Dragon Square, to show its support.
City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and other council members will be attending a vigil organised by the local Ukrainian community which takes place in Town Hall Square this evening from 6-7.30pm (Monday 28 Feb).
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