Scotland has ‘unwavering solidarity’ with Ukraine after years of war – Swinney

John Swinney has pledged Scotland’s “unwavering solidarity” to Ukraine, as the country marks four years of the full-scale war with Russia.

The First Minister said his government would continue to support the thousands of Ukrainians who came to Scotland after the war broke out on February 24 2022.

On Tuesday, a special memorial service will take place outside the city chambers in Edinburgh.

Representatives from the Ukrainian consulate and the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain will take part, along with the UK’s armed forces and ministers from the Scottish and UK governments.

At the weekend, it was announced that more than 280 tonnes of used fishing nets would be sent to Ukraine from Scotland to help protect key locations from drone attacks.

The First Minister said the war had caused “unimaginable destruction and devastation”.

He said: “Scotland stands firmly for democracy, human rights and the rule of law at home and around the world.

“We will support an international peace plan if one emerges that respects Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Any peace plan must be agreed with Ukraine.

“Scotland is proud to have offered a place of sanctuary to more than 29,000 people since the war began, the majority of them through our super sponsor scheme.

“Many of those who arrived after the war outbreak have started to rebuild their lives in Scotland and play a valuable role in communities, schools and workplaces.”

Mr Swinney added: “As we mark four years of this horrific conflict, we are continuing to support displaced people to settle into life here, including helping them access longer-term housing and encouraging timely applications to the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme.

“My message to Ukrainians around the world today is clear: Scotland stands in unwavering solidarity with you, and we will do all we can to support a peaceful future for Ukraine as an independent, sovereign nation.”