Public anger at the UK’s stance on Ukrainian refugees is becoming a clamour

The standing ovation given by the House of Commons to the Ukrainian ambassador, Vadym Prystaiko, was a historic moment, a moving one, and an important one. For a nation in mortal danger, every gesture of solidarity may provide some comfort. Yet as the questions to the prime minister that followed illustrate, much more can, and should, be done to support the people of Ukraine as they struggle against a barbaric invader.

The Independent’s Refugees Welcome campaign shows that the British public is big-hearted and generous towards defenceless people in obvious need. The public would surely support the government following the lead of the European Union and immediately introducing a special fast-track three-year visa for Ukrainians fleeing war – and it is, in any case, a moral imperative and a legal one under the UN convention on refugees.

The Independent has set up a petition calling on the UK government to be at the forefront of the international community offering aid and support to those in Ukraine. To sign the petition click here

So it should be implemented forthwith. Boris Johnson tries to argue that the UK cannot do that because the EU operates the Schengen open borders system, but it isn’t obvious what relevance that has for post-Brexit Britain. Home secretary Priti Patel warns about hostile agents, but makes it sound like an excuse. If taking control of our borders means anything, it should mean the right to offer shelter to those in need. A way can be found safely and quickly.

Targeted Russian attacks on civilian buildings have apparently already begun, and before long Ukraine’s major cities will find themselves encircled, awaiting a siege or being wiped from the face of the earth, as was Grozny before them. A humanitarian disaster is looming, and the public demand for something to be done will become a clamour. Something will certainly have to be done.

The Ukrainian government has requested the Pope intervenes with Vladimir Putin to establish safe ground corridors for the wounded, refugees and humanitarian supplies such as medicine and clean water. The British government should support the initiative, and continue to provide such aid as well as military assistance, and to make arrangements for charities and agencies to deliver what the British public are generously sending to the region, both in Ukraine and in neighbouring nations.

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So-called no-fly zones are also an obvious way to help save lives in such a situation as this, but they risk provoking a wider war, as might any aerial airlift of humanitarian aid to Kyiv and Kharkiv or naval supplies to Odesa. If Russian forces challenge Nato forces or western civilian vessels or aircraft, then escalation could easily follow. President Putin’s threats to use nuclear weaponry have to be taken seriously. Yet they might be a bluff, and for now the better way is to supply Ukraine with anti-aircraft systems. But pressure for no-fly zones will intensify as the strangling of Kyiv proceeds to its grisly conclusion.

As the opposition parties and Conservative backbenchers argue, and the government partially concedes, much more could also be done to tighten economic sanctions and those on certain named individuals, cronies of Putin, with substantial interests in London. The opposition has offered to work with the government to close the loopholes and stop the laundering of dirty money in a matter of days through the economic crimes bill. There are other measures that might help law firms bullying journalists and MPs who are trying to highlight the more egregious abuses of British hospitality. Chris Bryant (Labour,) and Bob Seely (Conservative) are rightly speaking out under parliamentary privilege to expose what has been going on, and they deserve to be listened to, and their warnings acted on.

With the right assistance, many civilian lives can be saved in the coming days. Bolder moves, and riskier ones, will be needed if the west is serious about helping the Ukrainians win this unequal war and turn back the invaders. Unprecedented economic war will be required, with the broadest possible coalition of nations. Yet the fact remains that only the Russian people can stop President Putin from menacing his neighbours and threatening the peace of the world.