Ukrainian consul invites Scots businesses to help rebuild country as deal signed

Ukraine’s consul to Scotland has said his country wants to extend an offer to Scottish businesses to help in its reconstruction, as a new memorandum was signed between the two countries.

A delegation of 60 Ukrainian business and civic leaders gathered in Edinburgh’s city chambers for a special event to forge links between businesses and cities.

It comes after many Ukrainian towns and cities suffered the largest wave of drone and missile attacks since the outbreak of the full-scale war with Russia.

Ukrainian consul Andrii Madzianovskyi signed a memorandum of understanding with Scotland’s Culture Secretary Angus Robertson on Wednesday, with the delegation at the “Rebirth of Ukraine” conference applauding the deal.

Business links between the two countries include Coatbridge-based Cairnhill Structures Ltd supplying steel for use in bridges in Kyiv to replace structures destroyed earlier in the war.

Trade between Scotland and Ukraine was worth £38.4 million in 2024.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr Madzianovskyi said his country wanted to show gratitude for the “incredible” support from Scotland.

He said: “Now it’s time to say thank you and Ukraine must now be grateful.

“Ukraine invites Scottish business to be a participant of rebuilding Ukraine after the war, because we have many common interests.”

Recent days have seen widespread barrages of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, killing several civilians. One night alone saw 367 munitions launched into the country.

Th Ukrainian consul said agreements like the one in Edinburgh helped Ukraine’s cities to have hope for a more peaceful future.

Mr Madzianovskyi said: “Ukrainian people, Ukrainian mayors, Ukrainian businessmen who are here, they are hero people too.

“Because they continue to build and develop their country during missile attacks and bomb attacks.

“They are still brave and hardworking people and I have deep respect that they continue to live and work and continue.”

Mr Robertson said the memorandum meant Scotland is continuing to help Ukraine in its “hour of need”.

He told the PA news agency: “There’s been an extraordinary amount of damage caused by Russian aggression – and death and calamity.

“And that’s why us working with friends in Ukraine – whether in business or in government – we’re keen to do everything we can to help that country not just win but recover as quickly as possible.”