The SNP's Westminster leader is calling on Boris Johnson to expel the Russian ambassador to the UK over Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ian Blackford MP is writing to the Prime Minister to request the UK send Andrey Kelin, below, back to Russia with the clear message to Putin that his country is becoming a pariah state by continuing his outrageous assault on another European nation.
Blackford said: "Hour by hour the unfolding events in Ukraine become increasingly more desperate and disturbing and we must act without hesitation. Russia must face the full force of sanctions.
“While I welcome the measures imposed so far, the UK Government has not acted quickly enough or decisively enough. There is still more the UK must do – economically, diplomatically and culturally – including kicking out the Russian ambassador immediately.
“While working with the international community in imposing ever-tightening restrictions on Russia, it is imperative we send the strongest possible message that Putin’s act of war cannot and will not be tolerated.
“The Russian ambassador’s continued presence on British soil is an insult to the people of the Ukraine. Allowing Putin’s puppet to remain in London on the premise of keeping open communications with Moscow is futile when Putin clearly is not ready to listen.
“Andrey Kelin must be despatched back to the Kremlin with the clear message that Russia will be reduced to an international pariah if he does not end his obscene warmongering.
"We must be united in the face of Putin's aggression and the coordinated solidarity shown for Ukraine cannot waiver until Russian forces withdraw.”
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