Kate Forbes tells Scottish businesses to cut ties with Russia over Ukraine invasion

Businesses in Scotland have been told to cut ties with Russia over the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Finance secretary Kate Forbes asked companies to take “economic action” by reviewing operations for links and connections to Russia and severing them.

In an open letter to the business community, Forbes outlined how the Scottish Government would use all available powers to end trade and investment activity with Russia.

She said there was support available for businesses adapting to cutting links with Vladimir Putin’s country.

Forbes wrote: “For any sanctions to be meaningful they will also have an impact on the countries and economies that are imposing them.

“That will be true here, as it will be across the rest of the UK, EU and US, however any price paid here is significantly less than that being paid by the people of Ukraine.”

Forbes said many businesses, sporting and cultural organisations had already divested their interests in Russia, their trading relationships with Russian entities and their participation in lucrative Russian contracts.

She encouraged businesses to work quickly but with care for the safety of any employees or individuals they may work with.

Forbes wrote: “We have all watched on in horror at the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

“We all have a moral duty right now to consider what else we can do to try to stop Putin’s aggression, including via economic action.

“We have all been inspired by the spirit and bravery of the people of Ukraine, led by President Zelenskyy in their fight for freedom. Let’s do all that we can to support them and weaken the Putin regime’s war effort.”