THE People's Deputy of Ukraine has thanked Scots for "opening their homes and hearts" to Ukrainians as she addressed the SNP conference to rapturous applause.
Lesia Vasylenko took to the stage at The Event Complex in Aberdeen and spoke of her admiration for the Scottish men who had signed up to the Ukrainian International Defence Battalion and the Scottish families who have taken in almost 20,000 women, children and senior citizens.
She also thanked the Scottish Government for sending aid, and businesses and communities for donating essential items to help Ukrainians survive.
The Ukraine MP said: "You have opened your homes and you have opened your hearts for us at the time of most need.
"Your government has been sending humanitarian aid since the first weeks of this nightmare.
"Scottish businesses and communities have stepped up, sending trucks full of food, medical supplies, building materials and other things needed by the Ukrainian communities living along the combat line. We know this in Ukraine.
"On behalf of the people in my country, I'm saying thank you."
Following her speech, she and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon held a Ukrainian flag aloft as the arena stood in solidarity with the war-torn country.
Vasylenko thanked SNP MPs for standing up for Ukraine at Westminster and the "passion" they had spoken with in the House of Commons, almost as if, she said, they were Ukrainians themselves.
She told delegates and members of her deep regret she was speaking while representing a wartime parliament, something she described as a "rollercoaster every day".
She went on to say Russia had made the "unthinkable, thinkable", but stressed victory was thinkable for Ukraine.
Vasylenko called for "the world to remain brave" and continue to help strengthen Ukraine and weaken Russia.
She added: "What is it like to be a Member of Parliament in wartime? I get asked a lot. I hate to answer.
"What is it like? It's hard, it's emotional, it's a rollercoaster every day. Waking up every day since February 24, making sure the people you love are okay, and then checking the nation is still alive for one day longer. We've been living that on repeat.
"Putinism must be wiped out from the Russian legislative system and media.
"There will be a peace agreement, but on Ukraine's terms, peace on the terms of democracy. It's up to us to make it happen. Until then, no effort must be spared to strengthen Ukraine and weaken Russia.
"The world must remain brave, brave like Ukraine. Thank you for giving me this platform and thank you to the people of Scotland."
