PEOPLE in Powys are being encouraged to support an act of solidarity this evening (Sunday, February 27) following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Member of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales, Eluned Morgan, is asking households across Wales to light a candle in the window to let light shine for peace, and is urging Powys residents to join in. The act of solidarity is the first of a series of events being organised including a crowdfunding campaign for medical equipment and a vigil on the steps of the Senedd to be held this week.

“We are witnessing a horrific act of aggression by Russia towards the people of the Ukraine with scores of civilian lives lost since Russian forces crossed the border and missile strikes struck civilian targets since last Thursday.

“People have been asking me how we can help. As ordinary people, we can show our support for Ukraine and her people by lighting a candle and tweeting those images with the #StandwithUkraine hashtag. I know vigils are being organised across the region in the coming days and there is the event in Cardiff Bay planned this week that people can attend.”

Earlier this week, fellow MS Mick Antoniw, who has family connections in Ukraine, returned from a fact finding trip days before the invasion began. He has established a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for vital medical equipment to treat civilians who are becoming casualties of this invasion.

“It is early days in this conflict and the need for humanitarian support is likely to become even more urgent in the days and weeks ahead.

“I am grateful to my colleague Mick Antoniw who has set up a crowdfunding page to get additional medical equipment to where it is needed most. I’d encourage anyone who can afford to make a donation to visit.”

You can make a donation at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/helpukraine. The fund has quickly raised £15,000, with Mr Antoniw saying: “The people of Ukraine urgently need our help.

“Following the invasion of Ukraine by Putin's forces, the population are braced for loss of life and casualties. A number of people in Ukraine are appealing for help with the purchase of specific medical equipment to treat the kind of traumas that occur in war zones.

“The money raised here will be sent directly to medics in Ukraine who have appealed for help, but we need to act fast.”