ONE hundred days since the war in Ukraine began, a total of 3747 Ukrainian refugees with a sponsor location in Scotland have arrived in the UK.
With almost 11,000 visas issued with a Scottish sponsor via the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme - of which 7642 have been supplied through the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme and a further 3259 visas issued for matches with individual sponsors throughout Scotland – the Scottish Government has restated Scotland’s determination to support the people of Ukraine.
Commenting, Ukraine refugees minister Neil Gray said: “The horrors that have befallen the people of Ukraine since their country was invaded by Russia 100 days ago has shocked everyone in Scotland and around the world, and we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
“As a nation, Scotland has responded and opened its heart and extended the hand of friendship offering support and services for thousands of displaced Ukrainians. I would like to thank the thousands of people who have generously opened their doors to Ukrainian families, volunteered and donated to causes.”
Gray added: “Whilst we want peace and for people to be able to return to Ukraine when it is safe and when they wish to do so, Ukrainians who have settled here can be assured Scotland will be their home for as long as they want it, and they will be made welcome and treated with care, dignity and respect.”
Though the United Nations reports that seven million people have fled from Ukraine for nations throughout Europe since the Russian invasion on 24 February, analysis of official figures published by the Guardian newspaper this week found that the UK has taken in fewer Ukrainian refuges per capita than all but one of 28 European countries.
