Dorset Council and BCP Council have joined voices from across the country – indeed the world – in support of the people of Ukraine, and shortly the country’s flag is to be flown from both Dorset County Hall and Bournemouth Civic Centre.

In a statement, the leader of Dorset Council, Cllr Spencer Flower, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine. Our thoughts are with those affected by this conflict.

“We recognise that there will be people within our own community affected by this situation. We are working closely with voluntary and community groups to provide support. I particularly want to thank Dorset Race Equality Council (DREC) for their work supporting local communities who are facing prejudices, and who are also helping to organise local donations.

“Many of us want to know how we can help, and it is wonderful to see the incredible generosity of Dorset residents in making donations to support the people of Ukraine. The advice from local and national charities is that the best way to help is to make a cash donation to an organisation such as the British Red Cross or Save the Children who are responding to the humanitarian crisis. These organisations are already working on the ground and can direct support in the quickest and most appropriate ways.

“As shown with the recent conflicts in Syria and Afghanistan, councils across the country have a proud history of welcoming refugees. We stand ready to work with the government to support any scheme helping those fleeing the conflict.”

He added that in addition to flying the Ukraine flag, County Hall will be lit in yellow and blue.

Cllr Flower said: “Thank you to our contractor, Turrell, who have agreed to do this at no charge to show their support.

“We pray for the people of Ukraine that this conflict will end soon and our hope is for peace and for an end to so much unnecessary suffering.”

Cllr Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder for Equality, Community Safety and Regulatory Services said: “The towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are a proud, multi-racial region, which includes people from Ukraine, who are very much part of our community.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, their family and friends living in our area, and all of those affected by the current crisis.

“I have personally been speaking directly with representatives from our local Ukranian community to ensure we understand how we can help during this very worrying time.

“Like me, I am sure you have been moved by the overwhelming response from people in our community to provide the essentials to our friends from the Ukraine.

“May I extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has been working tirelessly collecting items for those who have been displaced and are fleeing from conflict.

“I’d like to reassure Ukrainian nationals and those of Ukrainian descent in our community, that we will do everything we can to assist those who need our help and support.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the conflict and we hope the situation will be resolved peacefully soon.

“BCP Council is yet to have formal discussions with Home Office colleagues about the situation unfolding in Ukraine as we wait to hear what might be required of us locally as part of a national response.

“As soon as the government position is clear, we will do our upmost to engage and lend our support where we can.

“In the meantime, our teams are working closely with and supporting the Polish community who are collecting items for people in the Ukraine who have been displaced and are fleeing from conflict.”

For details of how to donate see https://www.facebook.com/events/s/help-from-bournemouth-to-ukrai/985658765662452/

The Facebook group Dorset for Ukraine is also taking donations.

Cllr Dove added: “We will also be working closely with the DLUHC (Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) and the LGA (Local Government Association) to do everything we can to support those who need help and support and we will continue to monitor the situation.”

In response to the crisis in Ukraine, BCP Council says it is also reviewing its contracts and pensions suppliers.