Month: August 2025

Petplan partners with Fern Britton and Cats Protection to promote cat rehoming across the UK

Petplan, the UK’s No.1 pet insurer, is proud to collaborate with Fern Britton and Cats Protection to shine a spotlight on the number of cats in need of a forever home, as the numbers of cats in rescue centres across the UK increases.

Following the success of the TV series; Fern Britton: Inside the Vets, where Fern saw first-hand how much of a pet loving nation we are as she goes behind the scenes at The Grove veterinary practice, this initiative highlights the essential work done by rehoming centres to rescue and rehome cats across the country.

Cats Protection currently has around 2,000 cats in their centres. They take in cats for various reasons, including strays, unwanted litters, and changes in owners’ circumstances.

Each year around 3,000 cats are given up to Cats Protection due to behavioural issues. 66% (2,000) will have had difficulties settling into their home often because they aren’t getting along with the existing cat in the household. And 10% (300) are due to urinating or spraying in the home.

During a visit to the Cats Protection North West London Cat Centre, Fern witnessed the dedication of employees and volunteers working tirelessly to improve the lives of cats in rescue centres.

With thousands of cats awaiting new homes, the partnership encourages the public to consider adopting a cat and providing them with a loving forever home as well as offering advice to help reduce cats being given up and keep cats and their owners happy.

All cats rehomed from Cats Protection receive 4 weeks free Petplan insurance to help cover the cost of any vet bills that arise as they settle into their new surroundings.

Fern Britton is delighted to be working on the campaign and said: “As a proud cat mum, I’m thrilled to work alongside Petplan and Cats Protection to bring attention to the wonderful work being done in rescue centres across the UK.

“Every cat deserves a chance at a happy life, and by raising awareness, we hope to inspire more people to open their hearts and homes to these incredible animals.”

Mike Elliott, Cat Welfare & Operations Director for Cats Protection emphasised the importance of this initiative, and said: “We are delighted to have the support of Petplan and Fern Britton in our mission to find loving homes for the cats in our care.

“With so many cats in need, it is crucial to raise awareness and encourage adoption. Preventing cats coming into our care can be aided by following a gradual integration program at the cat’s pace, neutering cats when they are four months old, and ensuring pet cats are microchipped with the contact details kept up to date.”

Jo Maclennan, Director of Trading at Petplan, said: “Petplan is proud to have been working in partnership with Cats Protection for over 20 years and are committed to supporting animal welfare and helping pets get access to the care and love they deserve.

“We provide 4 weeks free insurance for every cat rehomed by Cats Protection to help cover the cost of any vet bills that arise as they settle into their new surroundings.

“We hope together with Fern Britton we can help Cats Protection rehome even more pets this summer”

ELREC: Stone Weaving Workshop

TUESDAY 19th AUGUST 5.30PM at LEITH LINKS ORCHARD – FREE

Learn the beautiful art of stone weaving with yarns and natural elements – for free! 🌿

We’ll meet at Leith Links for inspiration and to collect natural materials for your artwork, then walk to the Leith Community Centre to relax, get creative, and enjoy tea.

Each participant will receive a stone to weave, with optional natural elements—perfect as a gift or home décor. All materials are provided 🌸

Date: 19 Aug 2025 (Tuesday)

Time: 17:30-20:00

Meeting Point: Leith Links Orchard, Edinburgh, EH6 7HB

Language: English (Cantonese/Mandarin Interpretation available)

Registration: https://forms.gle/DKN3jRe7Lw5ohCbYA

學習以紗線與天然素材進行石頭編織！🌿 我們將在Leith Links園圃集合，汲取靈感並收集創作所需的自然材料，接著步行前往Leith社區中心，在那裡放鬆心情、發揮創意，並享用茶點。每位參加者將以石頭作為梭織板進行編織，搭配天然素材——無論是作為禮物還是家居裝飾都非常合適。活動及所有材料費用全免 🌸

日期: 8月19日 (二)

時間: 下午5時半至晚上8時

集合地點: Leith Links 園圃, 愛丁堡, EH6 7HB

語言: 英文 (輔以即場廣東話/普通話/國語傳譯)

請於我們的Google表格報名: https://forms.gle/DKN3jRe7Lw5ohCbYA

#weaving

#nature

#art

How May I Help You?

TOGETHER WE REPAIR: EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

I met a nice couple after our Citizen Group’s performances at the Book Festival on Monday. Time was really tight at the end of the evening – we must have been among the last to leave the Edinburgh Futures Institute – and I’m sorry we didn’t have longer to discuss the event, but thanks for being so kind about it!

As I explained the other night, we had to pare our contributions right back to three minute slots due to time constraints. I think my original draft was over six minutes, but with careful editing (i.e. removing large chunks of swearie words!) I got it down to the required length.

So as promised, here is my Stories and Scran contribution How May I Help You? I am really chuffed that you enjoyed the piece so much and I do hope you’ll enjoy reading it again.

Stories and Scran is a real community event and I know my fellow Citizen writers get just as much pleasure from participating at the event as I do – there’s always a very warm and welcoming atmosphere and audiences are invariably supportive. It’s that enthusiasm that makes Stories and Scran so special.

It was nice to meet you, and who knows – maybe we’ll do it all over again next year!

HOW MANY I HELP YOU?

I was sitting in a queue of morning rush hour traffic when I was startled by a loud blast on a horn.  I thought the traffic had moved again while I had been daydreaming, but no: the driver alongside me was pointing down to the back of my car.

Confused, I wound down my window. “Your back tyre is flat”, he called across.

Fortunately there is a big AutoCare Centre just along the road and I was able to trundle along there. The tyre was completely flat now and the wheel made a horrible squealing noise as it rumbled along.

I parked and approached the Reception Desk. John was in charge. I know this because he wore a big badge with his name on it – and he also answered the phone many times while I waited to be seen.

“Good morning AutoCare Centre, John speaking, how may I help you? Ah yes, Mr Wilson. The Zafira, wasn’t it? Let me check …”

I don’t know what John checked. He didn’t move, or even look at a screen. He stood, eyes closed, in a trance-like state for ages … maybe he was psychic?

“Mr Wilson? Sorry about that, sir. Yes, the lads are on it now. Can you give us a call back around lunchtime? … I do realise that, sir, but we have been very busy this morning … yes, I’ll call you back with an update. Of course … Yes, you have a nice day now …

Maybe I imagined it, but I’m sure he muttered: “Phone you back? Aye,right!”

Barely had John put the phone down than it was ringing again. “Good morning, Autocare Centre, John speaking how may … ah hello, Mrs Hill I was just going to call you. Great minds think alike, eh?

“Some bad news, I’m afraid – we are still waiting for parts … yes, six weeks IS a long time but we have to get the parts sent over from France you see … I do understand, Mrs Hill, but between Covid and Brexit … yes, yes, I can only apologise. You know what the French are like … I will chase them up again the second I put the phone down. I’ll call you right back … ‘

He put the phone down, gave a mighty sigh and raised his eyes. “Be with you in a second, sir,” he told me. “Help yourself to a complimentary tea or coff …”

The phone rang again. “Good morning Autocare Centre, John … och it’s just you, Benny!. How you doin’, my man? Are yous busy down there – we’re rushed off our feet here …’

I did fancy a coffee but a lengthy queue was building up behind me and I didn’t want to lose my place.

After quite a while, one customer had had enough. “This is bloody ridiculous!” he said in a very loud voice.

I heard it, the whole queue heard it, the tyre fitters in the workshop heard it – but John was oblivious. His conversation went on and on …

Finally, he glanced up … “Sorry, Benny, I’ll have to love you and leave you … we’re stowed oot the door here!”

I WAS NEXT!

“Sorry about your wait, sir, we’ve been UNBELIEVABLY busy this morning. Now, what can I do for you? What appears to be the problem?

Now, I would have thought that the problem would have been fairly obvious to John, but I pointed to my shredded tyre.

“Ah yes, we’ll take a look at that for you. The lads are busy just now but have a seat and we’ll get it up on a ramp as soon as we can. Help yourself to a coff …

The telephone rang again.

“Good morning, AutoCare Centre, J …Nearly afternoon? What a quick morning it’s been! Ah yes, Mrs Hill!  Ye’ll no’ believe this – I was just going to call you …

A dram good idea turns whisky waste into packaging

MycoPack is one of 11 projects awarded funding by Scotland Beyond Net Zero

University researchers will help turn whisky production leftovers into compostable packaging in a newly funded collaboration.

The project, MycoPack, is a collaboration between Arbikie Distillery, Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Dundee. MycoPack combines innovation with sustainable design, turning waste into valuable packaging and supporting a circular economy.

It is one of 11 collaborative projects awarded funding by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a collaboration between Scotland’s universities to support Scotland’s drive to net zero.

Arbikie Distillery have partnered with Dr Dongyang Sun, Edinburgh Napier University and Dr. Wenbin Zhou, University of Dundee, to use mycelium, the root structure of fungi, and distillery by-products like spent grain to create durable, lightweight packaging. The material created is impact-resistant, fire-retardant, and fully compostable, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

Over the next 10 months the project team will focus on proof of concept, testing the material and the design.

Kirsty Black, Distillery Manager said: “At Arbikie, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our collaboration with Edinburgh Napier and Dundee Universities on MycoPack represents an exciting step forward – combining innovation and purpose to create packaging made from mycelium that’s not only environmentally responsible but deeply aligned with our values.

“Together, we hope to pioneer solutions that respect the planet and inspire change across the industry.”

Funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero – a coalition of leading climate and sustainability experts from Scotland’s universities – this project is one of 11 new research collaborations aimed at accelerating Scotland’s transition to net zero. 

Each project involves cross-sector collaborations to address sustainability challenges in energy, finance, food, the built environment, natural systems, and transport.

Professor Nick Forsyth, Vice-Principal (Research) at the University of Aberdeen and Chair of Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s seed fund panel said: “This is the second round of our seed fund, we have now supported 19 innovative and collaborative projects with a total of around £300k of funding.

“Each project involves at least two of our member universities and one external partner, including community groups, government bodies, and the private sector.

“This collaborative and integrated approach is crucial to us meeting Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets. We cannot achieve these targets in isolation, we must work together to innovative, inform and adapt.”

Other funded projects include a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University, the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh working with Community Energy Scotland, Orkney Housing Association, THAW Orkney (Tackling Household Affordable Warmth) and Teeside University to tackle fuel poverty in rural Scotland.

Typically, energy flexibility involves people having access to advanced technology, but this project explores if it can benefit those in fuel poverty. The idea is to create local energy communities and trading systems, letting residents buy cheaper local electricity.

HI-SCOT, a collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University, Robert Gordon University and Historic Environment Scotland, will focus on integrating photovoltaic (PV) technology into Scotland’s historic buildings, addressing challenges with aesthetics, regulations, and public acceptance.

The initiative will explore how PV systems can blend with historic architecture. Research will explore mimicking traditional materials and using coatings to minimise visual impact, creating guidelines for Scotland’s historic architecture.

To find out more about each of the eleven projects, please visit the Scotland Beyond Net Zero website: www.scotland-beyond-net-zero.ac.uk.

Besties week two winners announced

The Skinny and Fest, Capital Theatres and Premier Scotland are delighted to announce the winners of the week two’s The Besties, in the following categories:

The Genre Chaos Award – Sam Kruger and S E Grummett: Creepy Boys SLUGS at Summerhall

The Emerging Talent Award – Ayo Adenekan: Black Mediocrity at Monkey Barrell

The Heart Award – Sami Abu Wardeh: Palestine Peace de Resistence at Pleasance Dome

The Collaboration Award – Opera Queensland and Circa: Orpheus and Eurydice at Edinburgh International Festival

The Nature Award – Karine Polwart: Windblown at The Queen’s Hall

The Kids Award – The Listies: Make Some Noise at Assembly George Square Studios

The award ceremony took place on Saturday 16th August at the Festival Theatre, hosted by Michelle Brasier, whose show It’s a Shame we Won’t be Friends Next Year is at Gilded Balloon this Fringe with performances from rapidly rising singer-songwriter Pippa Blundell who played in Friday night’s Wide Days’ Made in Scotland Gigs.

The Besties awards, designed by artist Camillo Feuchter a recent graduate of Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, use recyclable plastics gathered by the partners and leftover wood sourced locally.

Reflecting the broad and diverse coverage both magazines produce every summer and celebrating the breadth of Edinburgh’s Festivals, The Besties span all the festival activity taking place in the city over the month of August, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Winners of The Besties are chosen each week by the editorial teams of The Skinny and Fest, drawing on their cross-festival expertise to celebrate the best work happening anywhere in the festivals.

There will be one further award ceremony on Saturday 23rd August.

Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre gets set to celebrate 30th Birthday

ALL WELCOME AT DRYLAW’s BIG BIRTHDAY BASH!

We are gearing up for our big party day in only 4 weeks!

We have so much planned for the day and can’t wait to have you all there 🎉

Lunch provided by Scran Academy, Bookbug session, Moving Music drumming circle, National Galleries of Scotland art session, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) Dr Bike and bike activities (make your own bike-powered smoothie!), Tinderbox Collective are here with their Escape Drylaw game for you to try, Tummies Not Trash will be here with a food stall.

Not to mention fun activities in the garden, face painting and henna tattoos, a bake sale, puppet shows, apple pressing, our famous tombola, and amazing raffle with locally donated prizes… And yes, there is a bouncy castle!!!

Don’t miss out on all the fun on Saturday 13th September! 🤩

Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025

Lights, Pints, Action! Edinburgh’s Pubs Go for Gold at the Hospitality Industry’s Very Own Oscars

Edinburgh’s favourite pubs are ready to raise a glass as the finalists for this year’s Scottish Bar & Pub Awards are revealed and the best go head-to-head for the ultimate industry honours.

Run by leading hospitality magazine DRAM, these awards are Scotland’s longest-running celebration of pubs, bars, and the people who make them great. Celebrating their 30th year, they’ve become the biggest night on the licensed trade calendar, where the country’s hospitality heroes get the recognition they deserve.

This year’s winners will be crowned at a glittering, Oscar-themed gala on Tuesday 26th August in Glasgow, in a night of red carpets, champagne, and high spirits! From cosy locals to cutting-edge cocktail spots, the competition is fierce, and all eyes are on who will take home the industry’s most prestigious titles. 

Local finalists include the Athletic Arms, The Belfry and the Mother Superior which are up for Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year, The Cocktail Geeks, Hey Palu and Lady Libertine who are fighting it out to become Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year and the Boston Bar, Malones, O’Connnor’s and Seamus’s who are all hoping to be crowned Jameson Best Irish Bar!

However, with nearly 25 award categories, there are plenty more local legends, rising stars, and incredible venues all hoping for their moment in the spotlight – and guests can expect a few surprises on the night too!

Publisher, Susan Young, said, “We’re delighted to congratulate all our finalists from across Scotland. Thousands of customers have cast their votes to make sure their favourite pubs, bars, restaurants, and bar staff get the recognition they deserve!

“In the midst of the many challenges facing hospitality, these businesses have gone above and beyond to keep their customers happy and that hard work has not gone unnoticed. Our mystery shoppers and judges have been full of praise for the outstanding quality of entries and the exceptional service they experienced on their visits.”

Over 600 of Scotland’s hospitality stars will gather for one glittering night to see who takes home the industry’s highest honours. Here’s the full roll call of categories and contenders vying for glory:

Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year

Athletic Arms – Edinburgh

The Belfry – Edinburgh

Mother Superior – Edinburgh

The Pot Still – Glasgow

Black Ivy & Montpeliers Rising Entrepreneur of the Year

Ceceley Chambers, The Bowlers Rest – Edinburgh

Edward Fox, Encore Bars – Edinburgh

Allan Low, The Fox & Willow – Ayr

Lauren McIntosh, The Cocktail Joint – Elgin

Connie and James Taberner, Fintry Bay – Millport

Brugal 1888 Cocktail Bar of the Year

The Cocktail Geeks – Edinburgh

Hey Palu – Edinburgh

Jacks Bar, Dakota Hotel – Glasgow

Kelvingrove Café – Glasgow

Lady Libertine – Edinburgh

DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

The Anchorage – Dunure

Bag o’Nails – Glasgow

The Original Rosslyn Inn – Roslin

Weston Tavern – Kilmaurs

Campari Bar Apprentice 2025

Aimee Ashworth, La Jupe – Helensburgh

Lewis Crone, Margo – Glasgow

Cameron Evans, Lynnhurst Hotel – Johnstone

Anya Garrow, Gleneagles – Auchterarder

Callum McCarthy, Encore – Edinburgh

Stuart Robertson, Badger & Co – Edinburgh

Wesley Smith, Di Maggios – East Kilbride

Finn Truter, Brewhemia – Edinburgh

Louise Turner, Rabble – Edinburgh

De Kuyper Award For Cocktail Excellence In Neighbourhood Venues

The Corner House – Kilwinning

Draffens – Dundee

McLarens On The Corner – Edinburgh

The Torfin – Edinburgh

Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award

Ross Barr, Scotch at the Balmoral – Edinburgh

Chris Chambers, Cask & Vine – Edinburgh

Lucy Connor, Tipsy Midgie – Edinburgh

Jane Ross, Mother Superior – Edinburgh

Favela Independent Multiple Operator of the Year

Bucks Bar Group

Cru Hospitality

Eden Group

Rocks Leisure Group

Fireball Best Late Night Venue

Berlinkys – Glasgow

The Corset Club – Glasgow

Freddy’s – Edinburgh

Slouch – Glasgow

Vic’s – Prestwick

Hospitality Health Employer of the Year

Apex Hotels

Cru Hospitality

Lisini Pub Co.

Manorview

HOSPO Manager of the Year

Michael Eaton, Café Royal – Edinburgh

Lorraine Ferguson, Billy Bridges – Ayr

Pete Harvey, Aboukir – Carnoustie

Fiona Joyce, Solway Lodge – Gretna

Stewart Kilpatrick, Hope & Vincent – Glasgow

Gavin Ruthven, The Dome – Edinburgh

Hotel Scotland Hotel Bar of the Year

Bar 1819, Apex Waterloo Place – Edinburgh

Black Ivy – Edinburgh

Nor’ Loft – Edinburgh

Red Sky Bar – Glasgow

Inverarity Morton Best Drinks Offering

Brewhemia – Edinburgh

The Criterion – St Andrews

The Keys Bar – St Andrews

Scotch & Rye – Inverness

Teuchters Landing – Edinburgh

DRAM Best Beer Garden

Black Ivy – Edinburgh

The Fox & Willow – Ayr

Hugos Bar & Pavilion – Dalgety Bay

Weavers – Paisley

Jameson Best Irish Bar

Boston Bar – Edinburgh

Kitty O’Shea’s – Glasgow

Malones – Edinburgh

O’Connor’s – Edinburgh

Seamus’s – Edinburgh

Jump Ship Brewing Gastropub of the Year

The Birds and The Bees – Stirling

The Crown & Anchor – Findhorn

The Bridge Inn – Ratho

Stravaigin – Glasgow

DRAM Community Pub of the Year

Aboukir – Carnoustie

The Bowlers Rest – Edinburgh

Montagues – Kirkcaldy

The Newton Bar – Millport

The Pawn Lounge – Alexandria

New Bar of the Year 2025

Boston Bar – Edinburgh

Berlinkys – Glasgow

Cask & Vine – Edinburgh

The Marlborough – Glasgow

Sebbs – Glasgow

Schweppes Mixologist of the Year

Branford Edgar, Kelvingrove Café – Glasgow

Jake Harris, Old Pal – Edinburgh

Poppy Kerr, Bartenders Lounge – Aberdeen

Chris Mullen, Mar Hall – Bishopton

Toby Peters, The Cocktail Geeks – Edinburgh

Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year

Houston’s Sports Bar – Johnstone

Hope & Vincent – Glasgow

Lochy’s – Barrhead

The Tap Yard – Glasgow

Staropramen Award For Outstanding Quality

Brewhemia – Edinburgh

Boston Bar – Edinburgh

Louie Brown’s – Dalgety Bay

The Phoenix – Dundee

Siberia – Aberdeen

Pub of the Year

The Anglers – Annan

Athletic Arms – Edinburgh

Four Marys – Linlithgow

MacSorley’s – Glasgow

Follow us online:

https://www.facebook.com/scottish.bar.pub.awards/ 

https://www.instagram.com/scottishbarpubawards/

Showcasing Scotland’s arts festivals

£1.8 million to expand funding reach

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced £1.8 million in grant support for arts and cultural festivals to put the spotlight on artistic talent across the country.

The funding is available to non-profit arts and cultural festivals in Scotland and is designed to help them ‘push creative boundaries’ and enhance their international reputation on the world stage.

The fund builds on the success of the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund and helps deliver a key commitment in the Scottish Budget 2025-26 to expand the reach of the fund across Scotland.

Awards of up to £200,000 will be available in the first year and will be administered by Creative Scotland. The grants can be used for raising the international profile of festivals and to support other areas vital to their success, such as for sector and talent development and to open access to educational groups.

Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “Scotland has a wealth of outstanding festivals up and down the country. They are at the at the heart of our culture sector and national life, bringing us together through our enjoyment of art, literature, music and other performing arts.

“By increasing investment into festivals across the country we are supporting their commissions of and collaborations on new and exciting works, increasing opportunities for participation in creative pursuits and ensuring Scotland’s cultural highlights can be enjoyed at home and abroad.

“The new fund is a direct result of discussions through the Strategic Partnership for Festivals, a focal point that brings together diverse representation from arts festivals and a broader range group of partners who support them.

“Collaboration with the sector is vital and this group will be crucial in supporting the implementation and development of this fund in the coming months.”

Chief Executive of Creative Scotland Iain Munro said: “Scotland’s festivals are a vibrant celebration of our creativity and culture, recognised and enjoyed by local communities and people from around the world.

“The expanded festivals fund is a new opportunity to profile incredible creative work in every corner of the country and support other areas vital to success – from sector and talent development to further experimentation and space to develop ambitions with specific groups and communities.

“Working with festivals nationwide, this investment will support artists, widen community engagement and further strengthen Scotland’s impressive international reputation.”

Further information and detailed guidance notes for festivals will be available through Creative Scotland.

PM statement on Ukraine

PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER ISSUED A STATEMENT ON THE UKRAINE SITUATION YESTERDAY:

President Trump’s efforts have brought us closer than ever before to ending Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine. His leadership in pursuit of an end to the killing should be commended.

While progress has been made, the next step must be further talks involving President Zelenskyy. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without him.

This morning, I spoke to President Zelenskyy, President Trump and other European partners, and we all stand ready to support this next phase.

I welcome the openness of the United States, alongside Europe, to provide robust security guarantees to Ukraine as part of any deal. This is important progress and will be crucial in deterring Putin from coming back for more.

In the meantime, until he stops his barbaric assault, we will keep tightening the screws on his war machine with even more sanctions, which have already had a punishing impact on the Russian economy and its people.

Our unwavering support for Ukraine will continue as long as it takes.

KEIR STARMER WAS ALSO A SIGNATORY TO A STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE ‘COALITION OF THE WILLING EUROPEAN LEADERS:

Statement by President Macron, Prime Minister Meloni, Chancellor Merz, Prime Minister Starmer, President Stubb, Prime Minister Tusk, President Costa, President von der Leyen:

Early this morning, President Trump debriefed us and President Zelenskyy following his meeting with the Russian President in Alaska on 15 August 2025.

Leaders welcomed President Trump’s efforts to stop the killing in Ukraine, end Russia’s war of aggression, and achieve just and lasting peace.

As President Trump said ‘there’s no deal until there’s a deal’. As envisioned by President Trump, the next step must now be further talks including President Zelenskyy, whom he will meet soon.

We are also ready to work with President Trump and President Zelenskyy towards a trilateral summit with European support.

We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome President Trump’s statement that the US is prepared to give security guarantees.

The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. No limitations should be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces or on its cooperation with third countries. Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine‘s pathway to EU and NATO.

It will be up to Ukraine to make decisions on its territory. International borders must not be changed by force.

Our support to Ukraine will continue. We are determined to do more to keep Ukraine strong in order to achieve an end to the fighting and a just and lasting peace.

As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, we stand ready to uphold the pressure on Russia. We will continue to strengthen sanctions and wider economic measures to put pressure on Russia’s war economy until there is a just and lasting peace.

Ukraine can count on our unwavering solidarity as we work towards a peace that safeguards Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.

UKRAINE’S leader Volodymyr Zelensky travels to Washington tomorrow for talks with the US President Donald Trump.