Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky granted Freedom of the Highlands following Russian invasion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been granted the Freedom of the Highlands.

Members of Highland Council agreed the move at an emergency debate to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

Councillors unanimously agreed the following motion: “This council agrees to recognise the heroic struggle of the Ukrainian people by granting the Freedom of the Highlands to the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelensky.”

Councillors agreed the local authority will promote ways for people to donate financially and support those directly affected by the Russian invasion.

Councillor Bill Lobban, convener of Highland Council, said: “The Members of The Highland Council have made clear their full support for the people of the Ukraine who are valiantly fending off this unwarranted Russian invasion.

“We will continue to do whatever we can to support the innocent people who are caught up in Putin’s horrendous war both those remaining in Ukraine and those who have been forced to flee for their lives.”

Zelensky invoked British war leader Sir Winston Churchill in an emotional address to MPs earlier this week, vowing to fight invading Russian troops in the air, sea and on the streets.

In a speech to the House of Commons that was greeted before and after by standing ovations, Zelensky repeated his call for a no-fly zone to be established by the West, begging for the UK to “make sure that our Ukrainian skies are safe”.

The historic address came shortly after business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng announced the UK will phase out the import of Russian oil and oil products by the end of the year as part of a ratcheting up of sanctions on Moscow for the attack, which was launched on February 24.