Thousands of Ukrainians have taken up arms and are today fighting in Kyiv for the future of their country and families.
They have shown little resentment at the lack of international support as they march against Russian invaders.
They chose democracy and freedom over oppressive USSR misery in 1991, but it was a choice Vladimir Putin has never accepted.
And the truth is that after years of warm words and talk of Nato membership from the West, we have largely turned our backs on them in their hour of need.
All-out war with Russia is unthinkable and there was never a realistic prospect of sending British troops.
But the picture emerging is that we are not even going to commit to a proper regime of economic sanctions which – if implemented with conviction – could cripple Russia.
Europe last night appeared to be slowly coming around to ejecting Russia from Swift, the world's biggest financial payments system.
This would be a huge step forward and should have happened days ago – but the UK could do a lot more.
We need to pass legislation to crack open the shell companies oligarchs use to launder their filthy billions thorough Britain.
And we could seize the luxury properties, businesses and football teams owned by Putin's cronies.
Instead our governments appear content to wallow in meaningless gesture politics.
Lighting Downing Street in the colours of the Ukranian flag and telling the country's people we "stand with them" doesn’t cut it.
If we are standing with them, we are doing so at a very safe distance.
Putin claims Ukraine is "ancient Russianland" but the truth is he covets its sea ports as much as its rich history.
And if he gets what he wants this time, he is unlikely to stop.
He views Western leaders as pathetic weaklings – and on current performance he isn’t far wrong.
If Boris Johnson, Joe Biden and European heads of state fail to implement every possible sanction on Russia they will have the blood of Ukrainians on their hands.
Putin's ominous threat of "consequences never seen in history" for anyone who defies his brutal regime was unprecedented for the leader of a nuclear armed country.
If we fail to stand up to his bullying together it could be the blood of our own family and friends next.
Putin's pals must pay for his invasion.
Wipe out this plastic menace
Supermarkets have a chance to show they care about the community by taking plastic wet wipes off the shelves now.
Our Wipe Them Out campaign has highlighted the shocking mess they leave on beaches, while clogging drains and sewers.
The Scottish Government backs a ban, so why wait to be forced to stop their sale?
Retailers should take the initiative and clean up their act immediately
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