£350-A-MONTH THANK YOU FOR GIVING REFUGE

● Western arms convoys ‘legitimate targets’ says Russia ● Zelensky: Putin must ‘raze Kyiv to ground’ to seize it

- David Maddox, David Williamson and Lucy Johnston

BIG-HEARTED Britons will get £350 a month as a “thank you” for opening their homes to Ukrainian refugees.

Communities Secretary Michael Gove will unveil the Homes for Ukraine scheme today, providing a safe haven for thousands of families enduring their “darkest hour” as they flee Vladimir Putin’s terror.

A website for sponsors to register will go online tomorrow, allowing them to shelter victims of the Russian invasion. Mr Gove said: “The crisis in Ukraine has sent shockwaves across the world, as hundreds of thousands of innocent people have been forced to flee their homes, leaving everything they know and love behind.

“The UK stands behind Ukraine in their darkest hour and the British public understand the need to get as many people to safety as quickly as we can.”

He added: “I urge people across the country to join the national effort and offer support to our Ukrainian friends.

“Together we can give a safe home to those who so desperately need it.”

As a “thank you” for putting a roof over the heads of those fleeing war, sponsoring individuals will receive £350 a month.

The move will make Homes for Ukraine the most generous scheme for evacuees among Western nations.

It has come as criticism grows over the Government’s failure to provide enough support for Ukrainian victims.

Boris Johnson has been highly praised for his leadership in bringing Europe, the G7, and Nato together to impose sanctions on Russia and provide food, medical and military aid to Ukraine.

But his efforts have been dogged by concerns at the slow response to help refugees.