SCOTLAND'S First Minister has backed calls for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to be invited to address the Scottish Parliament.
John Swinney was asked if he would back the calls by veteran Scottish Tory MSP Jackson Carlaw – who sits as a member of Holyrood’s ruling body.
Invitations to the Scottish Parliament are controlled by the Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone.
Speaking in an exchange about the recent developments between the US and Ukraine over the war, Carlaw said: “President Zelenskyy, if not quite like Churchill standing alone, is standing on the frontline in this contest.
“It is the blood, toil, tears and sweat of the Ukrainian people that is defending democracy in the West.
“I wonder, First Minister, if you would support a suggestion that an invitation from you and the Presiding Officer of this Parliament be extended, an open invitation, to President Zelenskyy at a time of choosing and convenience to address this Parliament?”
Carlaw added that the visit could be done in conjunction with a “day of solidarity with the people of Ukraine”.
Responding, Swinney said: “I would readily associate myself with the suggestion made by Jackson Carlaw.
“Invitations to Parliament are a matter for the Presiding Officer and the parliamentary authorities but for my part, and the Government’s, we would happily support such an endeavour.
“I think Mr Carlaw raises an important opportunity for us as a country to come together to express our solidarity with the people of Ukraine and I would be very happy to take part in any discussions on the important suggestions that he has made.”
The Scottish Parliament was contacted for comment.
Earlier, Swinney gave a statement to parliament in which he pledged the support of the Scottish Government to “securing international solidarity” for Ukraine's long-term future.
In the speech, the First Minister condemned Russia’s illegal invasion and the subsequent three years of “barbaric” aggression that have followed.
He also commended the Ukrainian people for their fight to defend the independence, territorial integrity and security of their country.
“My government supports the approach of the United Kingdom government, in committing to secure international solidarity in support of Ukraine’s long-term future," he told MSPs.
"My government remains committed to supporting Ukraine, until a just peace is secured – not a peace at any cost, which strips Ukraine of her sovereignty in wartime.
“Scotland’s approach, internationally, will continue to be led and guided by our compassion for Ukraine. Now, 25 years into the life of this modern Parliament, Scotland chooses to stand for democracy, for human rights and the rule of law, at home and among our courageous allies like Ukraine.
“These are the underpinnings of democracy, of prosperity, and of every freedom democracy provides. This is the solidarity among allies that will deliver Ukraine from Russia’s barbaric aggression, while protecting her heritage, her culture, and her social and economic future.
“Ukraine’s future, and her fate, is our future and our fate.”
