Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has come out in solidarity with Ukraine but will not light up civic buildings in the country’s colours.
The council has agreed to provide three venues in each of its main towns – Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena to assist with humanitarian aid.
The local authority has a long-standing policy of not illuminating civic buildings.
The motion was proposed by Larne Lough Ulster Unionist Councillor Keith Turner and seconded by Larne Lough DUP Councillor Gregg McKeen at a meeting of the borough council on Monday evening.
Cllr McKeen said: “We really just need to send a clear message that this council wants to convey our support and send a message of support for the people in the Ukraine.
“When you saw those pictures of the children in the cancer unit in the hospital, you just need to say the situation in the Ukraine must stop, and in 2022, a situation like this is happening in today’s world, we urge people to support the humanitarian efforts.”
Carrickfergus DUP Councillor John McDermott commented: “I have had personal experience of families from Ukraine. I have had them stay in my home.”
He went on to say that this took place during a visit arranged by the Children from Chernobyl charity and that once again, his home would be open to Ukrainian people.
“They are the most generous people in the world,” he added.
He said that his heart dropped when he saw Russian artillery pummelling Ukraine.
Ballymena SDLP Councillor Eugene Reid stated that people in Europe and the world are “shocked and outraged at events in Ukraine” and that it “beggars belief that things that happened in the last century are repeating themselves”.
Carrickfergus councillor Alderman Billy Ashe noted: “It is a difficult time for our own people with food and heating costs escalating and cost of living rising. Our own cost of living is spiralling but our people are still responding to what is happening in Ukraine.”
He appealed for sanctions to be put in place instead of “women and children being murdered”.
“It is time the United Nations and our government stand up and be counted,” he stated.
Alliance Councillor Patricia O’Lynn called for Mid and East Antrim to be a “leading light in these dark times”.
Instead of lighting up civiic buildings in solidarity with Ukraine, she suggested working with partners for alternatives such as lighting up Carrickfergus Castle.
Ballymena Independent Councillor Rodney Quigley praised the response by community groups in Ballymena saying that there are “no boundaries when it comes to this sort of thing”.
Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Robert Logan remarked that there may be “technical and financial problems” regarding lighting of Mid and East Antrim;’s civic buildings.
He suggested that flying the Ukrainian flag at council buildings may be “a quick fix” to show solidarity with Ukrainian families in the area”.
Braid TUV Councillor Christopher Jamieson said: “I want everyone in the Ukraine to know the thoughts and prayers of everyone in Mid and East Antrim are with them at this time.
Knockagh DUP Councillor Marc Collins praised the humanitarian aid at Carrickfergus Town Hall saying that it had been stacked from “floor to ceiling” with donations.
He paid tribute to local people, community groups and businesses for their unprecedented generosity and “monumental effort”.
Bannside Sinn Fein Councillor Ian Friary asked the council to “remember the situation in Palestine”.
Larne Lough DUP councillor Alderman Paul Reid said: “We have seen the worst in humanity. We have seen aggression and bully boy tactics from Russia. We have seen equally the good in people.
“We can stand united as a chamber and say evil will not prevail. Our forefathers stood against it and won. We can send a clear signal from this chamber, we will stand four square with the people in the Ukraine and we are opposed to what Russia is doing and plead with Russia to stop.”
Ballymena councillor Alderman John Carson told members: “We need to be praying. We are dealing with an evil man.”
Coast Road Sinn Fein Councillor James McKeown said that he supports the motion one hundred per cent.
“The reports coming out of Ukraine are heartbreaking. The Ukrainian people themselves are putting up a tremendous fight against an evil aggressor. who does not seem to respond to many calls from the West to withdraw.”
He urged leaders in Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Europe to “do all they can with regard to sanctions”.
Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Danny Donnelly backed the suggestion of Carrickfergus Castle being illuminated and the Ukrainian flag being flown on council buildings.
Braid Ulster Unionist councillor Alderman Robin Cherry pointed out that Ukraine will need “an awful lot of support” afterwards.
Braid TUV Councillor Brian Collins offered a reminder over the loss of life and limbs of soldiers in previous conflicts such as Afghanistan and Iraq.