Emergency Question: The Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 1:39 pm on 1 March 2022.

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Photo of Heledd Fychan Heledd Fychan Plaid Cymru 1:39, 1 March 2022

Thank you for bringing this urgent question today, and I would like to echo 'Putin is a war criminal'. We are agreed on that. I would also like to state today that Plaid Cymru stands in complete solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We condemn unreservedly the Russian state's illegal invasion of Ukraine, and we reject Russia's assertion that the invasion is in any way a response to western provocation. We believe Russia's war aims are nothing less than the total destruction of Ukraine both as a sovereign nation and as a distinct national identity, and, as such, the invasion represents an attempt at genocide against the Ukrainian nation. It is an assault not just on Ukraine's independence and its right to exist, but on the right of nations' self-determination everywhere, as a central principle in international law. And despite some movement from the UK Government today, we would once again like to put on record that we are urging the UK Government to waive visa rules for all Ukrainian refugees—[Applause.]a rule that should be applied generally to others fleeing war.

This morning, we saw a huge convoy of Russian military vehicles advancing on Kyiv, and, minute by minute, we are all receiving concerning updates from all parts of Ukraine. Last night's demonstration outside of the Senedd was a clear indication of our solidarity with the Ukrainians. And though messages of support are important, you are completely right, Llywydd, that this is the time—