UKRANIANS in Scotland today joined together with Edinburgh residents, activists and politicians at a demonstration at the capital’s Russian consulate against this week’s invasion of Ukraine.
The protest was one of many taking place across Europe, while in Russia, anti-war demonstrations have reportedly led to hundreds of arrests in cities such as Moscow and St Petersburg.
Following chants of “slava Ukraini” (glory to Ukraine) by the hundreds assembled, the Ukrainian national anthem was sung and accompanied by a bagpiper.
Amongst the speakers present was Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater, who told the crowd: “Yesterday, the Scottish Parliament unanimously voted in favour of passing a motion in support and solidarity of the people of Ukraine, against this unjust war of aggression.
“Today is terribly sad day. Last night, I met with my Green colleagues from across Europe, and to hear what’s happening in Eastern Europe is absolutely heartbreaking. The first train of refugees was accepted into Warsaw last night at nine o’clock. In Bulgaria, they’re getting ready for radiation fallout, because of all the nuclear power installations in Ukraine that may be hit. This is real.
“But the European Union is unifying and standing together, with all nations ready to take in refugees and to do their part to support the people of Ukraine and condemn Russian aggression – to put in place the strongest possible sanctions.
“Democracy is a fragile shield against war. Democratic nations tend not to go to war against each other. But when we allow an autocratic power like Russia to supply our energy needs, to launder its money in our banks, to corrupt and donate money to our political parties, we allow those autocratic regimes cracks into our democracy, which then enables this kind of aggression.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole Hamilton said: “I’m not here as a Scottish Liberal Democrat today. I’m here as a member of a united Scottish Parliament that last night voted overwhelmingly and completely to stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and against Russian expansionist aggression.”
To the Ukranians present, Cole-Hamilton added: “You are so welcome here. We stand with you, we hold you in our hearts, and we will not abandon you.
“Yesterday, and for the first time this century, a land war began on continental Europe. Vladimir Putin has undermined the territorial sovereignty of a democracy. He has broken international law, and history will not forgive him.
“Today, we meet in Edinburgh. Edinburgh, since 1989, has been twinned with Kyiv. That relationship must now mean something. It is why yesterday we called on the Scottish Government to amend the New Scots Strategy – originally designed to help Syrian refugees – so that we can offer safe harbour, in the villages and towns of Scotland, to Ukranians fleeing conflict in the Ukraine.
“And I want to say a message to the Russian people who are marching in the streets of Russian cities – we see you. We are grateful for your bravery. We know the actions of the gangsters in the Putin regime are not in your name, and thank you for your solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
“We don’t know how long this will last; we don’t know where this lead. But what starts today will continue as a vigil of solidarity between the people of Scotland and the people of Ukraine. We love you.”
Scottish Labour’s Cammy Day, deputy leader of Edinburgh City Council, added: “Edinburgh people welcome anybody from Ukraine and Russia to our beautiful city today – and Russian troops should go home.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel