Meeting of the Parliament 26 February 2026 [Draft]
Scotland stands for democracy, human rights and the rule of law here, at home, and around the world. That is why this Government will always resolutely condemn Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. Tuesday marked the war’s fourth anniversary, and my thoughts go out to everyone from Ukraine who is involved in the conflict and in support of Ukrainians everywhere during this difficult time.
Since the war began, more than 29,000 Ukrainian people have arrived in the United Kingdom, sponsored either by an individual in Scotland or by the Scottish Government. More than 21,000 of those came through our supersponsor scheme. Many have started to rebuild their lives here and are making valuable contributions to our communities.
I continue to call for a properly constituted international peace plan that respects Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and one that is agreed by Ukraine and restores peace in Europe. Until that time comes, I say to our Ukrainian friends that they have our support for as long as they need it, that Scotland remains their sanctuary and that, if they wish, Scotland remains their home. Slava Ukraini. [Applause.]