BRIGHTON and Hove stands ready to welcome Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war-torn country as a Russian invasion gets underway.

Russian forces have been seen crossing the border into the country, with explosions heard in the capital Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine.

Speaking to The Argus, council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty confirmed that the city would welcome refugees fleeing the conflict.

The news comes as MPs from across the city and Sussex condemn Russian aggression as "unjustified and unjustifiable".

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas described news of the invasion as "devastating" and described the Russian invasion as a "vile act of aggression", while Tim Loughton, MP for Worthing East and Shoreham, described Russia as an "international bully with no time for the rule of law".

Cllr Mac Cafferty also expressed his support to resettle those fleeing the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in August last year, as part of Brighton and Hove's commitment to be a "city of sanctuary".

He said at the time: "Brighton and Hove has a proud history of solidarity and welcome for refugees and the city council stands ready to help Afghan refugees and support the desperately needed Afghanistan Refugee resettlement scheme announced by the government.

"We send our solidarity and support to all those affected, including Afghan and refugee communities already here in the city."

Motorist groups have warned that petrol prices could soon spike above £1.50 per litre as a knock-on effect of the invasion.

RAC fuel spokesman Smon Williams said: "This would cause untold financial difficulties for many people who depend on their cars for getting to work and running their lives as it would sky rocket the cost of a full tank to £85."

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