Benedict Cumberbatch calls for action in Ukraine as he receives star on Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Watch: Benedict Cumberbatch calls for action on Ukraine

Benedict Cumberbatch has urged the world to help the families of Ukraine who are “struggling to survive as rockets rain down on their cities”.

The Sherlock Holmes star made the plea while he was honoured with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday.

The British actor, 45, used the special moment to speak out amid the Russian invasion during his emotional speech.

“I can't speak today at this amazing moment in my life on this extraordinary platform without acknowledging the obvious of what's happening in the Ukraine and to show my support for the people of Ukraine,” The Power of The Dog actor began. “My support for the people of Russia who are opposing the kleptocracy and the idiocy of that route to try and halt the progression of this atrocity."

He added: "But it's more now for all of us to do than just have thoughts and prayers. We need to act. We need to go onto embassy websites.

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"We need to see what we can do as citizens of the world, citizens of Europe and people who want a better place and a better outcome for this horrendous moment - for these people with children, with families who are struggling to survive as rockets rain down on their cities."

The actor, who was supported by his wife Sophie Hunter at the Los Angeles event, also took a moment to remember his half-sister Tracey Peacock, who died in December 2021 aged 62 after battling cancer for seven years.

Addressing the crowd gathered at the ceremony, the Dr. Strange actor said: “I want to mention my sister who we lost last year. She would have loved this.

“She was unbelievably loyal, supportive, and she would have loved the glitz and the oddness and the glamour. She would have just been laughing nonstop all the way through, and probably crying.”

He continued: “I hope somewhere up there, where the real stars shine, you’re looking down on this moment now. I’m sure you are. We miss you so much. You remain such a good and wonderful person to have had in our lives.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin began an invasion of Ukraine on 24 February with Russian forces descending on Ukraine’s capital.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation” that it says is not designed to occupy territory but to destroy its southern neighbour's military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists.

Read more: EastEnders star Max Bowden says his ‘heart is hurting’ for Ukrainians in emotional post

On Monday, Russia was accused of war crimes after a reported cluster bomb attack on Kharkiv, which reportedly killed 11 people.

Satellite images released on Tuesday morning revealed a huge 40-mile long convoy of Russian vehicles heading towards Kyiv, amid fears Putin is ready to ramp up his efforts to take the capital.

Watch: Video shows building being blown to bits by devastating Russian missile strike