Smeaton's Tower to be lit in Ukrainian colours

But Plymouth will still twin with Novorossiysk

Following Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, Plymouth’s iconic Smeaton’s Tower was set to be lit up in yellow and blue on Thursday; the colours of the Ukrainian flag.  

But Plymouth City Council will not break off links with Novorossiysk, the port city in southern Russia on the Black Sea, of which it has been twinned since 1990.

Councillors from both main political parties asked for Smeaton’s Tower to be used to express the city’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people.  

Councillor Nick Kelly, leader of the city council, said: “Can I start by expressing my deepest sympathies with the people of Ukraine?

"I am horrified by what is happening. The invasion clearly violates international laws and threatens human rights and democracy.

“I absolutely stand in solidarity with all Ukrainian people, and very much hope that the international community progress meaningful sanctions against the Russian regime for their actions.

"We must stand also with our local Ukrainian community in Plymouth, who will be suffering greatly today and concerned about their friends and family at home. 

“To show our support, tonight (Thursday) Smeaton’s Tower will be lit up in yellow and blue and tomorrow, the Ukrainian flag will be flown on council buildings.”

Russian tanks and troops have poured into Ukraine along its eastern, southern and northern borders.

But while condemning Russia’s attacks, Plymouth Council has no intention of breaking off links with Novorossiysk as they said it would send the wrong message. 

Ship at Novorossiysk, Plymouth's twin city (courtesy: Pavel.Shulekin/Creative Commons)

A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council said: “Following the Novichok poisoning on UK soil in March 2018, Plymouth City Council agreed to revoke any invitations to Russian officials.

“However, we have no immediate plans to rescind our friendship with the people of Novorossiysk, our twin city, and punish them for the barbaric actions of their government.” 

The crisis in Ukraine is expected to hit people’s pockets after oil prices surged to over $100 a barrel for the first time in more than seven years.

The FTSE 100 index fell more than 200 points, or 2.7 percent within a few minutes of opening on Thursday.

With UK inflation already at a 30-year high, higher prices for oil, gas and food are all expected on the back of Ukraine conflict.