City Hall will be lit in blue and yellow this weekend in a show of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Joe Kelly, has written to the Ukranian Ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko, in an expression of solidarity.
Mayor Kelly has written to express our community’s 'shock and revulsion' at 'the unjust and unwarranted Russian invasion of the country'.
"It is difficult to watch, and even more difficult to comprehend, the level of destruction and violence being perpetrated against Ukranian citizens. All we can do is offer our support, and assure you we stand in solidarity with you, your countrymen and women. This unjustifiable war has united the world in its condemnation of the illegal actions of President Putin. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine and their families throughout the world, in Ireland and in Waterford, at this deeply worrying time."
"Waterford stands with Ukraine and we will honour that support by lighting the buildings of City Hall in the colours of the Ukranian flag, blue and yellow this weekend."
Waterford Independent TD Matt Shanahan has also called for the expulsion of the Russian Ambassador to Ireland, Yuri Filatov.
"I call on the Irish Government to immediately expel the Russian ambassador from Ireland as a mark of protest and solidarity with the people of Ukraine. In addition, I am calling on the Government to support the withdrawal of SWIFTPAY banking protocols for all Russian banks in an effort to create significant impact to Russia’s economy and its ability to wage further war. This invasion by Russian military forces of a peaceful neighbouring state is a disgraceful breach of fundamental principles of international law, it threatens the lives and wellbeing of the country’s people, including 7.5 million children who are at serious risk. This invasion of Ukraine is a tragedy for European stability and peace - It is an attack on innocent lives and an attack on the ideals of democracy and the freedom it brings. Ireland as a people have known illegal occupation and the ‘yoke of tyranny’ over centuries. We must stand resolutely with Ukraine remembering what has proven true for our republic also – ‘When the conflicts are over you don’t remember the words of your enemies, only the silence of your friends’!".
A peaceful protest will also take place in John Roberts Square tomorrow (Sunday) from 11am.
Earlier this week, we heard from members of the local Ukranian community on Deise Today.
For all the latest, click here.
