Stirling MP Alyn Smith has called on the UK Government to increase sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
There was international outcry yesterday after Russian forces began crossing into its neighbour’s territory.
Reports spoke of attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure as well as Russian convoys entering from the north, south and east.
People tried to flee the Ukrainian capital Kyiv following the invasion.
Missile strikes and explosions were reported near major Ukrainian cities and several people were said to have been killed during Russian attacks.
In a speech delivered at 5.55am Russian time (2.55am GMT) Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced an operation in the rebel-held Donbas area of Ukraine.
Yesterday’s invasion followed vigorous international diplomatic efforts to avoid conflict as tensions increased.
When Russia ordered troops into two rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine on Monday the UK Government froze the assets of five banks along with those of three Russian oligarchs living in the UK.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had emphasised that these sanctions could be extended.
With yesterday’s invasion of the country, Stirling MP Mr Smith, an SNP foreign affairs spokesperson, urged the UK Government to increase the amount of sanctions on Russia immediately.
He said: “The moment we all feared has come to pass, and the blame for Russia’s renewed invasion of a sovereign, independent neighbour lies squarely on President Putin and his authoritarian regime. The Ukrainian people are the latest victims of his expansionism and aggression, as Russia violates international law and norms.
“The UK Government must act with urgency and speed, and ramp up sanctions against Russia without delay.
“All options should be on the table. We thought the days where ‘might makes right’ were in the past, but here in 2022 war has re-ignited in Europe.
“The international community cannot stand by and let the mistakes of history repeat themselves.
“I stand with Ukraine, and will continue working with parliamentary colleagues across the House to meet our responsibilities and obligations to peace, democracy and international law.”
