Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Meeting date: Thursday, February 27, 2025

Official Report 1106KB pdf

War in Ukraine (Third Anniversary)

On Monday, I was honoured to represent the Parliament, along with party leaders, at a service at the national war memorial at Edinburgh castle to mark the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine and to show our solidarity with all those who are suffering as a result of the on-going war. Before we move to First Minister’s question time, I invite party leaders to make some remarks.

Peace is not gifted to us. It has to be nurtured and sometimes, regrettably, it has to be hard fought for. While Russia repeats the worst mistakes of the past, years into an unnecessary war, Ukraine calls on Europe to defend her interests and to support her fight for democracy and the rule of international law. That is why Scotland supports Ukrainian independence, that is why Scotland supports Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that is why Scotland will always work with Ukraine towards the goal of absolute peace in Europe.

At this moment of great uncertainty, let me be clear: Ukraine must sit at the table of any peace agreement. That is the only way to achieve a peace that not only delivers Ukraine from barbaric aggression but protects Ukraine’s heritage, her culture and her social and economic future.

We have extended a warm welcome to Ukrainians who have sought refuge in our country. That is the very least that we should be able to do. Today, as ever, Scotland stands with Ukraine. [Applause.]

On Monday, it was my great privilege to attend the service at Edinburgh castle to mark the third anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. I was moved by the sight of Ukrainian flags flying proudly over our capital city in solidarity with those who are suffering unimaginable bloodshed and horror.

We remembered the countless innocent lives that have been lost in defence of their country and our shared values of freedom and democracy. We should take pride in the United Kingdom’s significant and unwavering support for Ukraine. We all want the war to end, but the people of Ukraine deserve that to happen on their terms, not on those of Vladimir Putin. [Applause.]

For 1,099 days, the people of Ukraine have felt the full force of Russian aggression. There have been 1,099 days of invasion, bloodshed, indiscriminate bombing, drone attacks, sheltering underground, and fear and heartbreak, but, today, Ukraine still stands and is still strong. The front line of democracy remains resolute thanks to the bravery of Ukraine and its people.

Scotland and the United Kingdom have reason to be proud of the role that we have played in giving Ukraine the tools that it needs to defend itself. As the Prime Minister has made clear, nobody wants the bloodshed to continue, but, as we seek an end to the war, there can be no discussion about Ukraine without Ukraine. The people of Ukraine must have long-term security. A thousand and ninety-nine days later, and for as long as it takes, we stand with Ukraine. We stand for peace and freedom in Europe and around the world. [Applause.]

Today, the Scottish Parliament recognises three years of Ukrainians standing strong in the face of Russian aggression and three years of immense suffering, displacement and loss of life. From the very beginning, Scotland has stood in solidarity with Ukraine, with our people welcoming Ukrainians into their homes and communities. I am proud that, as a Parliament, we are just as united in that support today. I want to see Europe and the UK standing strong behind Ukraine, its people and the virtues of democracy. I wish for peace for the people of Ukraine with all my heart, but on their terms and with them at the table. [Applause.]

At this moment, and for every moment of the past three years, only the courage of the armed forces of Ukraine has held back the menace of Russian expansionist tyranny. In recent weeks, much reference has been made to the similarities that exist between our time and the prelude to the second world war, appeasement and the rising tide of fascism. I have found myself thinking of the words of Winston Churchill, who, from the floor of the House of Commons in 1940, pledged

“to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone.”—[Official Report, House of Commons, 4 June 1940; Vol 361, c 795.]

The fighting men and women of Ukraine have ridden the storm of war for years, but they are not alone. This Parliament stands with them, and so, too, does the nation that it serves. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes. Slava Ukraini. Heroyam slava. [Applause.]