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A week after Vladimir Putin ordered tanks and troops into the former Soviet state, defenders on the ground and western nations remain defiant.

Many residents have been fleeing their homes in the hope of finding safety elsewhere.

Nations across the globe have been pulling together to provide support for those in need by donating money and items in a bid to help.

PRZEMYSL, POLAND - MARCH 03: A mother and child who have fled from war in Ukraine sit among donated toys at a temporary shelter set up in a former shopping center on March 03, 2022 in Przemysl, Poland. Most arrivees spend only a short time at the shelter before being picked up by relatives among the Ukrainian diaspora or traveling onward by bus or train. Over one million people have left Ukraine since Russian launched its military invasion one week ago. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

The largest crisis appeal in the region is being led by the Ukrainian arm of the Red Cross.

The group are constantly reacting to humanitarian disasters in Ukraine following the attack from Putin’s army.

Organisations in Sunderland are also standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine which includes Sunderland City Council.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller said: "Ukrainians are very serious about defending their country and their freedoms and we here in Sunderland are serious about showing our solidarity with them.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Ukraine and that there is an end to the bullying, aggression and war that Mr Putin has brought to Europe."

Many organisations across Sunderland are collecting donations for people in Ukraine.

Here is a list of items that can be donated to help those in Ukraine:

- Baby wipes

- Towels

- Sanitary products

- Power banks

- Baby toys

- Baby formula

- Sleeping bags

- Nappies

- Camping mats

- Socks

- Hats and gloves

- Antiseptic

- Bedding

- Torches

- Painkillers

- Sudocrem

- First aid kits

- Bandages

- Soaps, shower gels, shampoos and conditioners and other hygiene products

- Blankets

For the latest news and information about the Ukraine invasion click here for NationalWorld coverage.

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What are the most useful donations needed in Ukraine? - Here's a list of items you can supply

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of our news and sport, see fewer ads, experience faster load times, test your brain with daily puzzles and get access to exclusive newsletters.

Your support for our journalism means we can continue telling Sunderland’s stories for generations to come. Click here to subscribe - and click here to get a snapshot of the Echo’s news and sport to your inbox through our email newsletters.