Ukrainians have just experienced their 200th day of war after Russia’s invasion earlier this year.
It has often seemed that there is no end in sight for the thousands of people who have lost loved ones in this horrific conflict.
Over the weekend, Ukrainian forces in the eastern part of the country pushed the invading Russian troops back by retaking more than 1000sq miles of land.
It is the early stages of the counter offensive by Volodymyr Zelensky’s troops but there is now clear hope that Ukraine can defeat Vladimir Putin’s aggression.
They might be outnumbered in terms of army personnel and military hardware.
But what Ukraine lack in that department, they more than make up for in bravery and the knowledge that their cause is just.
They are not only fighting for their own survival against tyranny but in defence of democracy and a free Europe.
The West has supplied what it can militarily and placed crippling sanctions on Russia since February.
We must not stop in our efforts to support Ukraine, however long it takes.
In recent days, we have seen villages and towns liberated by the Ukrainian army.
There are stories of demoralised Russian troops abandoning their arms and fleeing their posts.
We pray that the scenes of joy are not temporary and the Kremlin sees sense and ends the barbarism.
It is too early to hope that the end of this war is in sight.
But the successes of the Ukrainian army may just have brought peace a whole lot closer.
Scotland loved you too Ma’am
The reaction to the Queen’s funeral procession yesterday was a sombre but also beautiful tribute to a monarch who was loved across Scotland.
From Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire to Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, thousands of people lined the streets of the 175-mile route to show their appreciation for 70 years of unwavering service to her country.
Some wept, others stood and bowed their heads in silence while at times there were outbursts of applause as Scots paid their own personal tributes to Her Majesty.
Queen Elizabeth II clearly loved this country and yesterday it showed just how much that love went both ways.
Scotland came together yesterday to thank the Queen for her 70 years as our sovereign. It was a fitting farewell.
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