KINGSTON residents have been invited to share their support for the people of Ukraine in a new online Book of Solidarity set up by the Council.

The book, which launched today, is for thoughts, reflections, comments and solidarity, with pages from the book set to go into the local archives.

Residents can leave comments online to go in the book along with their name and location.

The Council said: "Kingston, like every other part of the world, has been shocked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"We know that many of our residents have been deeply affected by these actions, and are desperate to do what they can to help."

To leave a comment in the Book of Solidarity visit kingstonletstalk.co.uk/kingston-council-book-of-solidarity

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia last month has forced two million people to flee and lead to at least 406 civilian deaths.

In the days since the invasion of 25th February, Kingston community leaders have spoken in support of the invaded country and local Ukrainians are leading relief efforts, including this medical supplies appeal at a church in Surbiton.

Kingston Council's leader Andreas Kirsch released a statement condemning the invasion and the Council has also put together a list of resources HERE for people wanting to help.

Community leaders from the borough have also expressed their solidarity with Ukraine on the Kingston Voluntary Action website.

Sanja Djeric Kane, the CEO of Kingston Voluntary Action, said: "As hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian women and children are escaping from their country to Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova, fleeing from the war Ukraine was forced into by Putin, we are joining the Leader of the Council in a reminder that Kingston is a "welcoming and inclusive place… committed to play its part in providing support and reassurance to those affected".

"We have been watching with horror and shock the invasion of Ukraine by Russia televised across all media. We have been stunned by the speed with which this territory grab has turned into an action which has escalated to involve every country on the planet.

"KVA will do all it can to support refugees arriving in the borough by providing support, signposting and advice to our local groups/communities.

"We will also be liaising with RBK to make sure communications are circulated. In addition, London Plus is trying to map, connect and prepare relevant organisations for a surge in need and is asking for organisations willing to help.

"We condemn the act of Russia's leader Vladimir Putin in launching this offensive against its neighbour. And we stand ready to support our local organisations, who will be advising, and counselling refugees and locals alike."

John Azah, the CEO of Kingston Race and Equalities Council, said: "The whole world was shocked when Russia invaded Ukraine.

"Even with all its institutions, the world was unable to stop this happening and whilst a lot of strategic actions have been taken to get Russia to stop, the impact of many of these may not be felt for a number of years.

"And even though we talk about Russia, this is Vladimir Putin's war. Many Russians will not support the war Putin is fighting and may be facing personal challenges or abuse for something they had no part in deciding or have no responsibility for. So, it is important that we are mindful of how we talk about Russians.

"Many innocent people are suffering from being in the war zone and many others are leaving their country as refugees. We need to do everything we can to help them.

"This war is unacceptable, and it has to stop.

"In Kingston we need to work across agencies and communities to highlight what is happening in Ukraine and stand in solidarity with Ukrainians and all those who are against the war, regardless of where they come from.

"KREC wants to work with the Kingston Interfaith Forum, Refugee Action Kingston, Kingston Voluntary Action, the Royal Borough of Kingston and any other agency or individuals, to express our support for those whose country is being destroyed and to implore our Government to do what it can to help Ukraine."

Isik Oguzertem, the Director of Refugee Action Kingston, said: "The recent developments in Ukraine have shocked us and our community. For many of our staff and clients, the harrowing realities of war are all too fresh, and the images coming out of Ukraine revive painful memories of separation and loss.

"As Refugee Action Kingston, we stand firmly in solidarity with the civilians caught up in this needless conflict, and commit to warmly welcoming any and all individuals requiring sanctuary.

"We will work with our partners in the Council and across the borough to ensure all parties are doing everything possible to make routes to safety possible, and to welcome those fleeing the conflict."