THE First Minister has said that Scotland will "always support" an independent Ukraine at a ceremony to mark the country's independence day, which takes place on Saturday.
At a ceremony outside Edinburgh's City Chambers on Friday, members of Scotland's Ukrainian community laid wreathes at the Stone of Remembrance in memory of those killed in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking at the event, John Swinney stressed his support for “Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity” as he hailed the country’s “unity” and “heroism in defending it”.
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He told members of the Ukrainian community: “Please know that my thoughts are with you – your friends, your families, your neighbours in Ukraine – today and every day.
“Those fighting on the front line, those who have given their lives defending the outcome of the 1991 referendum, and all those innocent lives that have been upended, or lost, as a result of Russia’s unlawful, barbaric and wasteful invasion of Ukraine.
“Scotland’s thoughts remain with you, and will be reflected in our deeds, for as long as takes.
“Until there is enduring peace in Europe, until we regain Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity once more, we stand with Ukraine.”
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