Sheffield councillors Mark Rusling and Matthew Dwyer are set to embark on a three-day visit to Lviv, Ukraine, in a bid to demonstrate Sheffield\u2019s ongoing support for the country amid the ongoing conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite Lviv being a recent target by Russian attacks last night, their trip is still set to go ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The trip has been organised by a couple who fled Kyiv at the start of the war and now arrange such visits to highlight conditions in Ukraine and foster international solidarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Councillor Rusling said: \u201cWhat we are saying to Ukrainian refugees in the UK is we have your back. We are doing this for you, but also for ourselves. If we don\u2019t stop Putin here, we will have to stop him somewhere else, closer to us, and it will cost more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coun Rusling told ShefNews Lviv was a target of attacks last night, but maintained the trip will still go ahead ‘unless we’re told otherwise’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During their visit, the councillors plan to meet with the Mayor of Lviv, soldiers, and local government officials, as well as speak with Ukrainian residents affected by the war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coun Rusling added: \u201cWe really believe that, at this time, we need to show all the support we can to Ukraine. That\u2019s the patriotic thing to do. By supporting Ukrainian freedom, we\u2019re supporting our own freedom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n