THE UKRAINIAN flag is flying high at the civic offices in Basingstoke as a show of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, following the Russian invasion.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council raised the flag yesterday (Wednesday) and will continue to fly it for the foreseeable future to demonstrate support for those affected by the violence in Ukraine.

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Cllr Onnalee Cubitt, mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, said "The unimaginable suffering of the Ukrainian people is at the forefront of all of our minds.

"I hope that by raising the flag we convey our support to the people of Ukraine and show that we stand with them, demonstrating our respect for their country and our sympathy for its plight as they bravely fight for their freedom, their future and their sovereignty."

The new leader of the council, Cllr Simon Bound also supported the idea.

He said: “I am proud that Basingstoke and Deane is a diverse and welcoming community and our thoughts are with all the people who are affected by the Ukrainian conflict in this frightening and uncertain time.

“We will play our part in helping in any way we can as more information becomes available on the support being offered by the government.”

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Residents wishing to donate to the British Red Cross Ukrainian Appeal can do so here: donate.redcross.org.uk

Find more information on how to offer support the people of Ukraine, as it becomes available, on Basingstoke Voluntary Action's website: bvaction.org.uk

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