AN East Lancashire MP has said Britain must stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with Ukraine after visiting the country on the anniversary of Russia's invasion.

Burnley Tory backbencher Antony Higginbotham made the journey with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to the capital Kyiv and the devastated city of Irpin 15 miles away.

The delegation began by visiting the Ukrainian Parliament including meeting its Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk who is close to President Volodmyr Zelensky.

Meetings also took place with members of its foreign affairs, economic and agriculture committees and the Crimea Platform, an organisation established to respond to the long-term occupation of Crimea.

Mr Higginbotham said: “Since Russia first invaded parts of Ukraine in 2014 the country has been fighting for its survival.

"But that fight intensified beyond all measure last February when the Russians launched an all-out-assault.

"On the anniversary of that event it was vital that the Ukrainian people knew and saw that we in the UK stood with them, and that was a key aim of the visit.

"But it was also a vital opportunity for me and other MPs to hear about what was happening on the ground and what more can be done.

"Because whilst the fighting is being done in Ukraine, the impact is being felt all around the world – including by families and businesses in Burnley and Padiham.

"This war cannot end in a Russian victory. If that were to happen Putin would be emboldened and we would be surrendering all our values to him and his regime.

"That’s why it’s so important that we continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine and support them in their fight for survival, and on their journey of growth and democracy.

“It’s difficult to put into words the horror and devastation inflicted by the Russian forces.

"As they advanced across Ukraine they showed not only a disregard for human life, but actively sought out opportunities to destroy it. Why else target a block of flats with a pharmacy at the bottom, or the cars full of families fleeing the fighting?

"When this war is over, they must be held to account.

“The message I heard loud and clear when I was there, was not just of resilience, bravery, determination and fortitude but one of incredible thanks to all of us here in the United Kingdom,

“Despite the victories, and the clean-up operation, you were never far from the feeling that war is still raging.

"The news coming out of Eastern Ukraine now, where the fighting is more intense than we can imagine, is heart-breaking."