The Leader of Medway Council has issued a statement regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “I am sure I speak for all the residents in Medway when I say that we are deeply saddened by the appalling events taking place in Ukraine, following last week’s Russian invasion. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people, and any Medway residents with family or friends in the country, at this most difficult time.

“The distressing events that have unfolded over the last week have been extremely sobering and if residents wish to show their support to the Ukrainian people I would encourage them to make donations to the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal or the UN’s Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.

“I would like to reassure residents that we do not have any direct investments or contracts with Gazprom or any other Russian organisations, that we are aware of.

“We stand with Ukraine and its people and we hope this brutal conflict will soon be brought to a peaceful end.”

Support and advice 

• If you have friends and family in Ukraine and need information or support about what is happening contact the Ukrainian Embassy
• To make a donation towards the UN’s humanitarian work, visit Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund UN Crisis Relief
• To make a donation to the Red Cross, visit Ukraine Crisis Appeal
• Read the government’s travel advice
• If you have a child in a Medway school who is affected by the crisis, talk to your child’s teachers about your concerns and the support you would like them to provide
• Residents are encouraged to check any parking restrictions which may be in place around community collection sites, including the Ordnance Street, Chatham, area