FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called on the UK Government to match the EU’s commitment to welcoming refugees from Ukraine – with Russia’s war on the country ongoing.

A meeting of EU interior ministers concluded with a unanimous agreement by all to accept refugees from Ukraine for three years without them first having to apply for asylum.

It comes amid growing pressure on the UK Government to do more to help those fleeing Ukraine.

Responding to the EU’s decision, First Minister Sturgeon said: “Over to you @ukhomeoffice”

A poll by YouGov found 76% of Scots would support the introduction of a resettlement scheme – the highest figure of all those areas in the UK measured.

Six out of 10 Scots also said the UK has a “moral obligation” to offer asylum to those fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Gary Christie, head of policy, communications and communities at the Scottish Refugee Council, called on the UK Government to match the Scottish public’s commitment to help refugees and people seeking asylum live in safety.

He said: “The scenes we’ve all seen unfold in Ukraine over the past week are truly shocking. Our thoughts are with the people in Ukraine, those who have been displaced and the Ukrainian and Russian communities in Scotland.

“We need to see an urgent internationally co-ordinated humanitarian response that matches the scale of the crisis in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

“As European countries open their borders to those fleeing the conflict so must we. The announcement of extending the visas of Ukrainians already in the UK is welcome but the UK Government needs to go much further and faster.

“Immediate steps must include lifting all visa requirements for Ukrainians to fly to the UK as Ireland has just announced.”

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people have signed an open letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel urging her to publish a plan outlining how the UK will ensure safe and legal passage for Ukrainian refugees.

The Home Office has said its immediate priority was British nationals and their families caught up in the Ukrainian conflict, but it would work with international partners on issues including migration as the situation develops.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said the UK Government has not made it aware of any plans for Ukraine-specific refugee resettlement.

She added: “Scotland stands ready to offer refuge and sanctuary.

“If a resettlement programme is announced, or Ukraine nationals are accepted as part of existing programmes, the Scottish Government will work to support our local authorities and services to enable them to offer places and support refugees arriving.”