NICOLA Sturgeon has written to Ukraine’s president offering Scotland’s “continued solidarity” six months on from Russia’s “unjust, unprovoked and illegal” invasion.
The First Minister wrote to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Ukraine marked its Independence Day in the midst of the ongoing war.
Sturgeon met Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, at her official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh, on Wednesday and passed the letter on during the meeting.
In it, she wrote: “To mark Ukraine’s Independence Day, I offer Scotland’s continued solidarity with Ukraine and our admiration for your people’s bravery in the face of an unjust, unprovoked and illegal invasion.
“Scotland stands with Ukraine for democracy, human rights and the rule of law at home and abroad.”
She added that since the conflict began Scotland had “offered sanctuary – and a helping hand – to more than 14,000 people who have been forced to leave their homes”.
Sturgeon also told President Zelenskyy she hoped this action “strengthens the bond between our two countries now and in a more peaceful future".
Other politicians have shown their support for the country via social media.
SNP MP Stewart McDonald, who has received the Ukrainian Order of Merit, also sent his best wishes to the country.
He wrote: “Three years ago today I got a call from @UkrEmbLondon to inform me that I was to be awarded the Ukrainian Order of Merit by President @ZelenskyyUa – an honour I’ll always cherish.
3 years ago today I got a call from @UkrEmbLondon to inform me that I was to be awarded the Ukrainian Order of Merit by President @ZelenskyyUa - an honour I’ll always cherish. It’s also a happy coincidence that I share my birthday with Ukraine’s Independence Day 🇺🇦 https://t.co/t6eeGHDla6
— Stewart McDonald MP (@StewartMcDonald) August 24, 2022
“It’s also a happy coincidence that I share my birthday with Ukraine’s Independence Day.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson MSP posted on Twitter: “Happy Independence Day to Ukraine and all Ukrainians.
“Sending best wishes and solidarity from Scotland. #Ukraine.”
Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken said she extended "the warmest welcome" to those fleeing to Scotland to escape the conflict.
She wrote on Twitter: "On Ukraine's national Independence Day, I extend the warmest welcome to the many Ukrainians arriving in Glasgow to escape the war of aggression & destruction being wages against their nation and solidarity with the continued resistance & bravery of the Ukrainian people."
