FARMING communities across the UK have sent a message of solidarity to their peers in Ukraine and across the nation as a whole.

With an unprecedented number of people fleeing their homes to escape the horrors of war in the country following its invasion by Russian forces, the Disasters Emergency Committee has launched a humanitarian appeal.

The National Farmers' Union is donating £25,000 to this appeal.

NFU President Minette Batters said: “Like everyone watching in absolute horror as the people of Ukraine are bombed, homes are destroyed, and families are torn apart by a war we thought we’d never see again in Europe, we want to do everything we can to help, to show support and solidarity with those affected.

“I know many farmers want to do all they can to help. They have friends and co-workers in Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian families here working on farms. This war is creating a humanitarian disaster, the impacts of which will be felt by us all.

“Those families fleeing, as well as those staying to fight to defend their country, will be facing unimaginable challenges, and I hope our donation to the DEC Appeal goes some way to showing our support at this truly terrible time.”

For those that want to donate, you can do so via www.DEC.org.uk.

DEC members and their local partners are working in Ukraine as well as across the border in neighbouring Poland, Romania, Hungary, Moldova and Slovakia, to meet the immediate needs of people fleeing with food, water, health assistance, protection and trauma care.

Meanwhile, the UK farming unions have sent a letter of support to Ukraine.

The NFU, NFU Scotland, Ulster Farmers' Union and NFU Cymru stand with everyone in Ukraine, including Ukrainian farming families, following the invasion of their country by Russia.

The letter, signed by each group president, said: "We are watching with shock and horror at the unfolding events in your nation. We are appalled at the dreadful situation that the people of Ukraine are facing following the Russian invasion.

"We wish to express our support to everyone in Ukraine and all Ukrainian farming families caught up in these horrifying events and to offer any assistance that may be possible for us to give to you.

"We stand in solidarity with you at the is horrifying moment in your history."