As I write this week's column, the House has just been addressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Whilst Parliament has hosted World Leaders previously this has often been to address both houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall.

This address was historic in that Zelensky addressed the House of Commons from Kyiv, where he is dealing with the illegal Russian invasion first-hand.

Just last week we saw a standing ovation for the Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK in a rare scene of unanimous support within the chamber.

When I was in Kyiv just a few weeks ago there was a huge amount of tension, anxiety and desperation from the Ukrainians that I spoke to with, a real fear Russia would ultimately invade, while asking for support from the UK and other international allies and praying the worst wouldn’t come to pass, despite it being expected.

Since then Vladimir Putin has ignored the sanctions imposed on him and his super-rich oligarch supporters and invaded the independent, sovereign and democratic state of Ukraine. What we have seen then has shown the best and worst of humanity. The bravery of the Ukrainians in defending their homes and loved ones against a brutal onslaught has been truly humbling. And the attacking of humanitarian corridors, civilian areas and nuclear facilities has shown the sickening behaviour of the Russian army.

Closer to home we have seen all parts of the borough coming together to do what we can to support whether that be in terms of direct financial aid, sending much needed goods to refugees but many want to know what Britain is doing to help, and how we can do more.

While sanctions are being applied, they seem to be slow to take effect.

This speed in action taking effect is matched by the approach to visas being granted for refugees fleeing the conflict with less than 500 being granted by the time of writing.

It is clear to all that both the visa process and the application of sanctions needs to speed up drastically to both support Ukrainians and impact the Putin regime financially with the hope of de-escalation.

What is absolutely essential, as hard as the war in Ukraine becomes and for as long as it lasts, is to remain resolute and united with our international allies. Putin must fail. He must be seen to fail, and he must be brought to justice.