Thank you to all of you who have signed The Independent’s petition so far calling on the UK Government for urgent action to support Ukrainian refugees.

Incredibly more than 150,000 of you have shown your support already but now we want your help to try and get the total number of signatures over 200,000, so please call on those you know to add their signature alongside yours.

The urgent need for the government to act is increasing on a daily basis and is even more concerning after yesterday’s announcement that the UK Home Office has granted just 300 visas to Ukrainians after receiving thousands of applications for its Ukraine Family Scheme.

Having been in the neighbouring countries and on the Ukrainian border I am now in Ukraine itself, in the heart of where the Russian advance is having some of its most devastating impacts.

Each day I am here I see horrors that no human should have to be subjected to, I have seen those injured by the shelling, I have seen families being forced apart and I am seeing the unimaginable sacrifices the people of Ukraine are having to make each day just to stay alive.

Every signature is more pressure on the UK Government to act to provide more supplies of food, clothing and shelter to care for Ukrainian refugees, and to make the UK a safe haven for refugees to ensure we take in Ukrainians who want to find safety here. 300 visas being granted is simply not enough, I have been on the border and seen the sheer numbers trying to escape to safety.

To help relieve some of this suffering I am pleased to say The Independent’s fundraiser for the people of Ukraine is now at nearly £120,000, but if you haven't donated already, your donation could help us reach £150,000 today.

You can donate by clicking here and you can read more about The Independent's Refugees Welcome campaign by clicking here. 

Thank you for all your support,

Bel Trew, International Correspondent at The Independent