Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told Ukrainian refugees that Scotland will be their home for as long as it needs to be, marking the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year after its president, Vladimir Putin, announced a “special military operation” seeking the “demilitarisation” and “denazification” of Ukraine.
Since the invasion, thousands have died as a result of the conflict and around 17 million people are currently displaced, either within Ukraine or as refugees across Europe. About 23,000 Ukrainians have been welcomed to Scotland through the super sponsor scheme.
Ms Sturgeon told refugees in an open letter: “It is with great sadness that the world will mark the first anniversary of Russia’s latest illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on Friday. On this day, we will all pause to reflect on the many impacts of the war on the people of Ukraine. In particular, we will mourn those who have lost their lives.
