SCOTLAND’S party leaders set aside their political differences to deliver a united message of solidarity with the Ukrainian people following the full scale of invasion by Russia.
Nicola Sturgeon said that Europe stood at a “critical juncture” in its history and potentially the most dangerous moment since the Second World War.
The First Minister condemned the “unprovoked, imperialist aggression” of President Vladimir Putin’s regime.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon says Russia must face 'severest consequences' for invasion of Ukraine
She added: “There can be no doubt he must now face the severest of consequences.”
“Just as Putin must face and feel the wrath of the democratic world, the people of Ukraine must feel and not just hear our support and solidarity.”
Ukraine’s allies must now equip the country with the means of defending itself against Russian aggression, Sturgeon said.
The “new norms” of international relations would be set in the coming weeks, she added.
“Historic precedents will be set in the days and weeks to come.
“Putin is an autocrat, his control of the apparatus of the state and of the economy, the military and the media can make his power seem impregnable.
READ MORE: Vince Cable appears on Alex Salmond RT show amid Ukraine invasion, prompting fury among LibDems
“But as with most strongmen leaders, underneath the veneer of power lies insecurity and fear.
Sturgeon called on Ukraine’s allies to lend their support for “anti-Putin forces” within Russia to “ensure freedom and democracy prevail”.
The invasion of Ukraine “started in 2014” noted Patrick Harvie as he highlighted the “inalienable right to self determination”.
The minister said Ukraine was a European nation, “as its people had made clear time and time again”.
He added: “No form of sanction should be off the table. Action against Russian state-backed corporations and other entities must be swift.
“It is essential we tackle the money laundering networks used extensively by Russian elites.
“It seems inevitable there were be a significant flow of refugees from Ukraine in the coming weeks and months.
“I trust that Scotland stands ready to play our part to support them in any way we can.”
Hope was not lost, he added that “even at this hour a prolonged war can be prevented”.
Putin’s only intention in Ukraine “was war”, said Douglas Ross.
The Scottish Tory leader said the costs of conflict “would be high, in the first few hours, lives have already been lost”.
He added: “I always thought that war on this scale in Europe was something I would only know of through history lessons in school.
READ MORE: These are the Conservative Party's secretive links to Russia
“But sadly after this morning it is part of our daily lives once again.”
Anas Sarwar said Europe’s “hard won and fragile peace” had been “shattered”.
The Labour leader condemned Putin’s “unprovoked and unjustified” attack against its neighbour as he offered his solidarity to the people of Ukraine.
He added: “Our first actions now must be to support the Ukrainian people. In supporting the fight against Russian aggression, we must provide urgent humanitarian assistance to defeat the horrors of war.”
The Russian regime has “violated the sovereignty of a democratic state,” said Alex Cole-Hamilton.
The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, highlighted that Edinburgh was twinned with the Ukrainian capital Kyiv – “that relationship has to mean something”.
He added: “[War] will displace thousands of Ukrainians and we must be ready to help.
“We must be prepared to offer all those fleeing that conflict safe harbour in the villages and towns of Scotland.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel