COMMUNITIES across Dumbarton and the Vale have rallied in support of Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their war-torn homes.

Local politicians have also united to condemn the “horrifying” actions of Russian president Vladimir Putin after he ordered troops to invade the neighbouring nation last week.

Tensions between the countries had been increasing since 2021 and Putin had criticised the enlargement of NATO as a threat to his country’s security.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a state of martial law. Now, more than 500,000 are understood to have fled as many others stay and fight.

Locally, kind-hearted Dumbarton residents have donated around 1,500kg worth of essential items to those living in Ukraine.

The collection, organised by Scotland Helps Ukraine, closed just three days after it opened with volunteers saying the response has been “huge”.

In response to the invasion, Martin Docherty-Hughes, Dumbarton and the Vale’s MP, said the escalating conflict “had been difficult to see”.

The SNP politician added: “I have been contacted by many constituents who are deeply concerned by the war of aggression Putin’s regime has instigated and expressing their support and solidarity for the people of Ukraine.

“Last week in parliament I urged the Prime Minister to act quickly alongside our international allies to impose the strongest possible sanctions against the Kremlin. Given the humanitarian crisis which is now unfolding in Ukraine, I will be working with parliamentary colleagues across the House to ensure safe routes for those families displaced from their homes.

“We have been calling for the UK Government to immediately lift visa requirements for Ukranian families seeking refuge, which many of our European allies are already doing.

“In West Dunbartonshire we are no strangers to the horrors of war after our communities were devastated by the Blitz bombings of the Luftwaffe. We hope for peace, freedom and democracy to prevail, and will not turn our backs on those fleeing tyranny and the atrocities of war.”

Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton MSP, said she joins many locals in “standing with Ukraine”. She added: “Vladimir Putin’s evil actions pose a grave threat to the international order on which we all depend.

“The situation there is truly desperate and I know kind-hearted people across our area will have been troubled by the images they have seen of this unprovoked and unjustifiable war.

“Although there will be dark days ahead, I hope that the combination of sanctions against Russia, military aid to Ukraine, and the spirit and resistance of the Ukrainian people themselves will ensure that good will prevail.”

Scotland’s First Minister has called on the UK Government to scrap visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens fleeing conflict with immediate effect.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the UK has always welcomed refugees fleeing from war, but did not say how soon the country will welcome people from Ukraine or how many will be accepted.