Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko are to be offered the freedom of the city of Edinburgh in recognition of their bid to defend the country from the Russian invasion.
City chiefs are set to consider proposals to bestow the capital’s highest honour on the pair for remaining to fight Kremlin troops in Edinburgh’s twin city.
A separate motion put before councillors will also demand the expulsion of all Russian diplomatic staff and a letter be sent to the ambassador informing him the Russian consul is no longer welcome.
READ MORE: 'Armed' Edinburgh police arrest 50-year-old man in quiet residential street
If passed, President Zelensky and former boxing champion Klitschko would join the Queen and Olympic gold medal winner Chris Hoy as the only living recipients of the honour - which stretches back to the 15th century.
A petition to rename Melville Street, where the Russian consulate is currently located, after the Ukrainian leader has already garnered thousands of signatures.
Council leader Adam McVey said Edinburgh should stand “shoulder to shoulder” with those fighting against Russian oppression.
The local authority said it would seek to condemn the “horrific and illegal attacks” on the country’s freedom and set up a £100,000 fund to coordinate efforts with the Edinburgh Partnership for the delivery of supplies to the busy border crossing with Poland.
Further letters sent to the Home Office, Foreign Office and MOD are to seek information on support for those arriving in the city after fleeing conflict and ask for assistance in providing temporary accommodation.
All Russian arts and cultural activity would be subject to a blanket ban in council-operated venues, with encouragement given to others to do the same.
McVey said: “We all stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people in fighting this oppressive Russian regime and we will do everything we possibly can to support them.
“Following the city summit I hosted with the depute leader last week, with the Acting Consul General for Ukraine and local community leaders, we are now setting out a series of steps we can take together as a city.
“As part of this, we’re bringing forward motions to ask councillors to stand with us in condemning Putin’s tyranny, and intend to offer the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh to the President of Ukraine and Mayor of Kyiv."
He added: "By remaining in Kyiv, they are fighting side-by-side with their citizens against the Russian invasion, in a true defence of their nation. This is not just in recognition of their own leadership and bravery, but the bravery of all Ukrainians battling for their nation.
The City of Edinburgh Council is to vote on the motions on Thursday.
