SCOTTISH soldiers could be deployed in Ukraine this year in a peace-keeping role, First Minister John Swinney has said.
The SNP leader backed the move in an interview on the BBC's Sunday Show where he called Donald Trump’s treatment of Volodymyr Zelenksyy “completely unacceptable”.
Swinney’s comments follow an angry press conference on Friday in which the US President and JD Vance accused Zelenksyy of not being thankful enough for US military and political support.
The heated exchange where Trump accused Zelenksyy of “gambling with World War Three” has led to growing concerns that he may withdraw the US’s support for Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia three years ago.
Swinney said what unfolded on Friday between the two nations' leaders was “deeply troubling to watch”.
He added: “To see the President of a courageous country berated in the fashion President Zelenksyy was, it is completely unacceptable.”
The First Minister was asked if he could see a scenario in which Scottish boots could be on Ukrainian soil by the end of this year.
“I think there is the possibility of some form of peacekeeping role that might be the case,” Swinney said.
“I've said that the Prime Minister should bring such proposals to the House of Commons, and the House of Commons should consider those proposals, and we should do so openly and democratically.
“But I think that securing the future of Ukraine is vital to securing the peaceful Western Europe that we've cherished all of my life, and I want to see that maintained in the future.”
Swinney added there also needs to be an honest debate about taxation in light of the UK Government's decision to increase defence spending.
At a press conference earlier this week, the First Minister reaffirmed his opposition to the Trident nuclear deterrent – a longstanding view of the SNP – as he argued the money could be better spent on conventional forces.
In response to calls to expand the UK's armed forces, Swinney told PA there needs to be an “open debate” on defence priorities.
“I don't think I've felt at any moment in my life that there is such a degree of uncertainty about the international situation as I feel at this particular moment,” he said.
“So that will raise important questions about defence, but we've got to have an open and comprehensive conversation about that.”
When quizzed on how any increase in defence spending should be paid for, Swinney said: “I think we've got to have that honest debate about taxation priorities.
“I think the UK had a completely false debate about tax at the general election last year.”
