Hansard

I thank Jenni Minto for securing this important debate on the appalling Russian aggression in Ukraine.

I declare an interest, given my personal support for a Ukrainian couple who arrived in Aberdeenshire last year. I am delighted to recognise Aberdeenshire’s contribution as one of the largest host local authorities in Scotland, with over 220 refugees.

The Ukrainian war led to a flood of people in the United Kingdom sharing solidarity with the people of Ukraine. It was heartening to see people wanting to offer support, from donating money for efforts on the ground to sending supplies to ensure that people had access to food, toiletries and clothes. It was also truly inspiring to see how many people participated in the UK Government’s homes for Ukraine scheme to help those who were displaced. I was also pleased to assist constituents with the Ukraine family scheme and to have helped to support uniting a family and giving a child a new start for a better future.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is abhorrent. The Russians’ lies and deception have been predominant in destabilising an international response to de-escalate tensions.

Although the debate and this week’s activities are rightly about Ukraine, we should not lose sight of the people in neighbouring countries who are assisting Putin’s agenda and committing their own breaches of international law. President Lukashenko in Belarus should be equally aware that the world is watching and will not stop until political prisoners such as Maksim Imkhavik are freed. I know that other colleagues here and from Parliaments across Europe have become symbolic godparents to those unlawfully detained.

Since the start of the war a year ago, Ukraine has shown remarkable bravery in its continuing efforts to protect its sovereignty. Earlier this month, in the UK-Ukraine joint declaration that was signed during President Zelenskyy’s visit, we affirmed our commitment to support the people of Ukraine in their fight for liberation from Russian aggression. I stand with others in calling for Russia to end the war now to protect the lives of thousands of Ukrainians from needless violence.

We are proud to be the largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States and have worked with Ukraine to help train forces and develop their longer-term capabilities. The UK’s military, humanitarian and economic support to Ukraine since the invasion has reached nearly £4 billion and more than 1,200 Russian individuals and 120 entities have been sanctioned since the invasion.

We are working with international organisations to defend the principles in the UN charter. Through several investigations by the prosecutor general of Ukraine and the UN, it is clear that Russia is responsible for human rights violations carried out in Ukraine. The annexation of Ukrainian territory has been called a violation of international law, and the UK Government is committed to ensuring that Russia’s leaders are held accountable for their atrocities. In March, justice ministers from across the world will meet in London to support the International Criminal Court investigating the alleged war crimes in Ukraine.?

A national minute’s silence will take place at 11am this Friday, to mark one year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. I know that I speak for many people when I say that I hope to see peace restored in Ukraine. That can be achieved only by Ukraine’s regaining its territorial integrity and justice being delivered for all of those who have suffered.