European leaders must present united front in support of Ukraine, says Robertson

The Scottish Government’s External Affairs Secretary has stressed the need for a “united front” against Russian aggression as he met a Ukrainian diplomat.

Angus Robertson met the new Ukrainian consul in Edinburgh, Andrii Madzianovskyi, on Thursday to discuss the ongoing support for Ukrainians in Scotland.

On Monday, the First Minister will attend a memorial service at Edinburgh Castle to mark the third anniversary of the full-scale war breaking out in Ukraine.

Recent days have seen Sir Keir Starmer and other Western leaders defend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after US leader Donald Trump called him a “dictator”.

The Prime Minister has also suggested UK troops could be deployed to Ukraine as part of a European “reassurance force” following the end of the war with Russia, though he is seeking a US “backstop” to provide it with further credibility.

Mr Robertson said: “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.”

He said Ukrainians who wish to stay longer in Scotland should apply for a new visa before their current one expires.