External Affairs Secretary today met with the new
Consul of Ukraine in Edinburgh, Andrii Madzianovskyi.
They discussed the situation in Ukraine itself as well as
the ongoing support being offered to Ukrainians in
Scotland.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Robertson said:
“The Scottish Government resolutely condemns Russia's illegal war
against Ukraine – as we have done since its invasion. I assured
Mr Madzianovskyi that we stand in solidarity with Ukraine,
Ukraine's democratically elected President Volodymyr Zelensky and
the Ukrainian people - and that we are committed to securing a
fair, durable peace.
“Scotland continues to stand for democracy, human rights and the
rule of law at home and abroad.
“As the First Minister said this week, we would back a properly
constituted international peace plan if one emerges that respects
Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, is
agreed by Ukraine and restores peace in Europe.
“It is vital that European leaders present a united front that
supports the independence of Ukraine and does all that is
necessary to deter any future Russian aggression.
“Meantime, we want Scotland to be home for every Ukrainian living
here for as long as they need it to be. I encouraged the
Consul to remind Ukrainians living in Scotland who wish to stay
here to apply for a visa extension before their current visa
expires.”
