EAST Lancashire’s MPs have united in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calling in the UK government to step up support for its armed forces and humanitarian aid.

They spoke out after the country’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke to the Houses of Parliament by video link.

Blackburn’s Kate Hollern said: “Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine is deplorable. The way this military action has continued in recent days has been dreadful.

“There is still more to do to support the Ukrainian people; punish Vladimir Putin and his cronies; and end the influence of corrupt Russian money in the UK.

“The government haven’t done enough to support those seeking refuge with safe and simple sanctuary routes.”

Rossendale and Darwen’s Jake Berry said: “Vladimir Putin’s actions are those of a war criminal. He is a paranoid, obsessive and increasingly angry dictator.

“The people of Ukraine are putting up a fearsome resistance. I can only hope that it inspires Western leaders to provide further assistance to Ukraine and to enforce even tougher sanctions on the Putin regime.

“The two most urgent and immediate priorities for Britain and our allies must be to help Ukrainians fleeing the conflict and to provide support, including lethal assistance to those staying behind.”

Ribble Valley MP and deputy speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans said: “I wholeheartedly condemn Russia’s completely unjustified and illegal invasion of Ukraine and I am pleased to see that the global community has pulled together so swiftly to implement the strongest of reprisals.”

Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe said: “The situation in Ukraine is shocking and deeply upsetting. The UK and much of the international community is rightly united in supporting the Ukrainian people and condemning this Russian aggression.

“The government is working to provide a range of economic, humanitarian and defensive military assistance to Ukraine, and is imposing additional sanctions on Russia and Belarus.

“I also welcome the changes to our immigration system to support British nationals and their families who usually live in Ukraine, and Ukrainians in the UK and their families.”

Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham said: “As Russia has continued its brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine we have seen the indiscriminate targeting of civilians. Making sure that Putin pays for this, and that Ukraine can regain its independence is what unites the whole western world.

’Economic sanctions are not enough. We also need to help those Ukrainians who are fleeing, and give their armed forces the tools to fight back.

“But we must retain a sense of realism. Our forces actively engaging and shooting at Russian forces will only escalate the conflict. It would bring about serious repercussions by turning this into a world war.”

Pendle MP and transport minister Andrew Stephenson said: “I was very moved to be in the Commons for the president of Ukraine’s statement. We are continuing to support the brave people of Ukraine as they stand up to tyranny by placing severe sanctions on Putin’s regime – making clear that unprovoked aggression will never pay.”