Tag: Ukraine

An open letter to Ukrainians in Scotland and across the world

First Minister says “Scotland is your home for as long as you need it to be”

Ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Friday 24 February, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has issued an open letter to Ukrainians in Scotland and across the world.

The letter reads:

It is with great sadness that the world will mark the first anniversary of Russia’s latest illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on Friday. 

On this day, we will all pause to reflect on the many impacts of the war on the people of Ukraine. In particular, we will mourn those who have lost their lives.

Every day in Ukraine, lives are disrupted and in danger. There are almost daily reports of atrocities, including Russia’s barbaric missile attacks against civilians.

Our hearts go out to all Ukrainians, including those who have settled here in Scotland and in other countries. I know how much you fear for the safety of loved ones back home, and yearn to return to your own country and way of life.

All of us wish a speedy victory for Ukraine and a resolution which restores peace and ensures Ukrainian sovereignty, democracy, independence and territorial integrity. We also hope that those displaced by the war can return and be reunited with their families, friends, communities and country.

I hope all of you, amidst your anxiety and suffering, have been heartened by the scale of the international humanitarian response since the invasion.

Scotland has so far welcomed more than 23,000 Ukrainians into our communities, the majority of which arrived through our super sponsor scheme. The national response is unprecedented and we have worked closely with partners, local authorities and community groups to offer our Ukrainian friends a ‘Warm Scottish Welcome’.

It is vital that we continue to support displaced people from Ukraine for as long as they need help. While I hope those of you who want to return to Ukraine can do so safely when you can, my message to those seeking sanctuary remains clear: Scotland is your home for as long as you need it to be.

Slava Ukraini

Chancellor heads to G20 meeting to reaffirm support for Ukraine

  • Chancellor arrives in India for G20 meetings one year after Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine
  • He will attend meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors alongside Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, showing shared focus on tackling global economic issues.
  • He will also attend a meeting of the G7 on Thursday
  • The Chancellor will meet with the Indian Finance Minister and a range of senior Indian business leaders to strengthen ties and help the UK on its way to becoming the next Silicon Valley

The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is today in Bengaluru, India to attend the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in his first visit overseas since taking office.

The meeting comes one year after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine – where the Chancellor will reaffirm the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine and discuss with other G20 members ways to address issues such as elevated global inflationary pressures and the instability in energy and food prices that are being exacerbated by the war.

It follows the latest move on behalf of the G7, the European Union and Australia, who via a Price Cap Coalition, set caps on the price of seaborne Russian oil products effective from 5 February 2023. High-value Russian exports such as diesel and gasoline are capped at $100 while lower-value products such as fuel oil are capped at $45. The UK phased out the import of Russian oil and oil products last year.

The Chancellor is attending the G20 alongside the Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey. Both are focused on tackling inflationary pressures in the UK. Inflation is the first of 5 Prime Minister priorities, with the Prime Minister looking to see inflation halve this year on its way back to the target.

The Chancellor and Bank of England Governor will also join a meeting of G7 Finance Ministers on Thursday.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “The UK continues to stand firm in our support for Ukraine with significant military and humanitarian assistance. The sooner there is sustainable peace in Ukraine and an end to this horrific war, the sooner we can address the global economic fallout – diminishing Putin’s leverage over the UK and our friends.”

The trip also aims to strengthen the already productive UK/India economic relationship and deepen ties to increase new investment and bringing new jobs to the UK. With its rich reputation for a cutting-edge tech industry, the Chancellor will be meeting Indian tech CEOs and founders in Bengaluru to explore investment opportunities and how links with India can help the UK become the world’s next Silicon Valley, building on our existing $1 trillion (£827 billion) tech industry.

The Chancellor added: “I want the UK to be the world’s next Silicon Valley – this is an ambition within reach thanks to our status as a global financial powerhouse and home to world class universities and research institutions.

“We already have a $1 trillion tech industry, but we want to go further to create jobs and wealth across the UK. To help us get there, we need to deepen investment connections with like-minded countries around the world – starting with our Indian friends who are fast becoming an economic superpower in their own right.”

India is projected to be the world’s third largest economy by 2050, with a tech industry that generated US$227 billion (£188 billion) in revenue in FY2022. It is already a significant economic partner for the UK, and the Chancellor is seeking to promote greater collaboration between the two countries.

The Chancellor’s work at the G20 will also contribute to the government’s priorities to halve inflation this year to ease the cost of living and give people financial security; grow the economy, create better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country; and make sure our national debt is falling so that we can secure the future our of public services.

Scotland: Solidarity with Ukraine

Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine marks a year of the war against Ukraine

As the first anniversary of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine approaches, Minister with special responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray has offered his condolences to those who have lost loved ones and has signalled continued support for Ukraine.

He has also taken a look back at the past year and the role that Scotland has played to support displaced people from Ukraine.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Mr Gray said: “The Scottish Government has repeatedly condemned Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine. We are shocked and appalled at the violence and humanitarian crisis it has caused.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to all Ukrainians who have lost their loved ones. We hope for a Ukrainian victory, which is the best outcome for Ukraine as well as for longer-term peace and stability in Europe. 

“The people of Ukraine have shown incredible strength over this past year. The support of the international community has been incredibly heartening to see, especially as we have witnessed the largest refugee crisis and forced movement of people across Europe since the Second World War.

“Since the invasion began in February last year, more than 23,000 Ukrainians with a Scottish sponsor have arrived in the UK, representing more than 20% of all UK arrivals.

“More than three-quarters of these arrivals have come through the Super Sponsor Scheme, which has provided a fast and secure route to sanctuary, without which many people would otherwise have been unable to travel.

“I’m proud that Scotland has been able to play its part in supporting Ukraine, from people sending donations for humanitarian aid, to families opening their homes to displaced people from Ukraine who have arrived in the country. I’m also grateful for the swift and sustained response from partners in local authorities and in third sector groups who have played a significant role in ensuring that a warm welcome has been provided to displaced people in their time of need.

“To the people from Ukraine who are living here, the Scottish Government wants you to know that Scotland is your home for as long as you are here and we will continue to stand with you.”

National moment of silence to mark one year of Russian invasion of Ukraine

Government announces a national one-minute silence on Friday 24 February, marking a year since Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion of Ukraine

  • National moment will pay tribute to the bravery of Ukrainians and highlight the UK’s solidarity with the country, as they continue their courageous fight
  • Comes after the historic visit of President Zelenskyy to the UK last week

A national minute’s silence will take place at 11am on Friday 24 February to mark the one-year anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to lead the nation in silence from Downing Street.

This national moment of reflection will offer the UK public the chance to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people and demonstrate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the country.

The government is encouraging individuals and organisations across the UK to participate.

Since the war began, thousands of Ukrainians have been killed defending their freedom from Russia’s appalling onslaught. Millions more have been forced from their homes, with 114,400 Ukrainians finding refuge in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “As we approach the anniversary of Russia’s barbaric and deplorable invasion of Ukraine, as a nation we pay tribute to the incredible bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

“Russia’s unjustifiable attack brought war and destruction to our continent once again, and it has forced millions from their homes and devastated families across Ukraine and Russia.

“I am incredibly proud of the UK’s response, and throughout this past year, the UK public have shown their true generosity of spirit and their enduring belief in freedom.”

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “One year on from Putin’s illegal invasion, we stand in solidarity with our friends in Ukraine and remember all those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom.

“This moment of silence is a time to reflect on the human cost of this conflict and show we stand with Ukraine.”

The national minute’s silence comes following the historic visit of President Zelenksyy to the UK last week. During the visit, the Prime Minister underlined the UK’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine for the long term, ensuring it can secure a lasting peace.

Research reveals extent of trauma caused by Russian invasion of Ukraine

It is the first study to assess CPTSD prevalence in an active warzone

Addressing the post-traumatic stress caused by the Russian war on Ukraine should play a significant part in the humanitarian response to the conflict, according to new research.

The study, co-led by Edinburgh Napier University’s Professor Thanos Karatzias, is the first to ever assess the prevalence of complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) in an active warzone – and comes as the first anniversary of the invasion approaches.

It found 40.5% of the 2,000 participants, made up of adults living in Ukraine between July and September 2022, met the global standard threshold for either PTSD or CPTSD. This compares to a prevalence of 26.5% detected in recent analysis of adult survivors of war and around 10% or less in places unaffected by conflict.

The rates were higher in the east of the country, already occupied by Russia in recent years, although people in every region had been severely affected. Respondents also reported very high rates of war-related stressors, such as having an experience of threat to their personal safety, financial security, or local environment.

It is hoped the research could help inform measures to support Ukrainians impacted by the war.

Professor Karatzias, from ENU’s School of Health and Social Care, said: “Almost a year on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we are beginning to understand the extent of the psychological toll it will be taking on civilians.

“We found people have often been exposed to several potentially traumatic events in that time, whether it is hearing an air-raid siren, facing the destruction of local infrastructure or losing a loved one.

“If and when this war ends, we will need to think about ways we can help people move on with their lives. The humanitarian response, which is already hugely complex, will require some innovative thinking to address these psychological harms.”

Among the other findings were a higher prevalence of CPTSD (compared to PTSD) among female respondents, suggesting the conditions of war in Ukraine have left women more vulnerable to it than men. CPTSD is a more complex condition than PTSD – based on six clusters of symptoms – and may require longer interventions for recovery.

The report also notes that existing trauma treatments would likely be beneficial to support those affected by this conflict – with online delivery a potential solution, given the geographically dispersed population.

Acta-Psychiatr-Scand-2023-Karatzias-War-exposure-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-and-complex-posttraumatic-stressDownload

Gill nominated for Amazon Star award

An Amazon employee who goes the extra mile for the community in Dunfermline received a special surprise this week when she was nominated for a national Amazon Star award.

Gill Cura, who works at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline as a senior HR business partner, was nominated for the award by her colleagues at Amazon.

Gill, who has worked at Amazon for a year and a half, is a passionate supporter of the local community in her spare time. It’s this support, which includes her contribution to the Scot Baby Box Appeal, that has seen Gill receive a nomination in this year’s Amazon Stars awards programme.  

Now in its third year, Amazon Stars is a UK-wide campaign that recognises and rewards Amazon employees who make an outstanding contribution to the local community by using their skills, time and knowledge to help others. 

Gill’s support of her community means she could win one of three Dream Boxes – the top prize awarded as part of the Amazon Stars programme. A Dream Box, worth up to £1,500, is a personalised prize to honour Amazon’s community heroes. Gill will find out in the coming weeks if she has won a Dream Box. 

Gill was nominated for the award by her colleagues for her contribution to the Scot Baby Box Appeal, a Scotland-based charity supporting mothers and new-born babies in Ukraine.

The Scot Baby Box Appeal was created during the start of the Ukraine war. Across Scotland, new mothers receive a baby box which is full of essentials catering for babies from birth to six months. Jackie Crawford, founder of the Scot Baby Box Appeal, requested for baby boxes from her local community to be donated to Ukraine, kickstarting a charity campaign with far-reaching influence.

Gill offered her services to Jackie after seeing news articles about how Ukrainian women had to give birth in dangerous and unhygienic areas due to the risk of bombing at hospitals in the country. This moved Gill, and she wanted to provide anything she could for the new mothers in Ukraine. This specifically included her baby box that was provided by the Scottish government.

Gill soon became heavily involved with the charity, organising local drop off points across Scotland and running fundraising events to raise awareness of the cause. She is now a trustee for the charity and has helped to donate over 4,000 baby boxes to Ukrainian people which include baby essentials; food and medicine for new mothers, expecting women and new-born babies.

Speaking after learning of her nomination in this year’s awards, Gill said: “As a new mum myself, it felt very personal for me to be able to help other mums and new-born babies in need across Ukraine. 

“We all hope and pray the war will soon be over in Ukraine, but sadly, there will always be a location in the world where people are in need. The Scot Baby Box Appeal is now starting to look at families in need in Scotland, too, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis. I am honoured to have been nominated for an Amazon Star award for what I do.”

She added: “The best thing about working at Amazon is the team and its support. I’m encouraged to talk and raise awareness about the Scot Baby Box Appeal on site and colleagues have donated to the charity.

“My manager and the senior leadership team at Amazon are behind what I’m doing, and they give me the space and time to make sure I can do my job at Amazon and still have time to focus on my charity work.”

Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, added: “The Amazon Stars programme is our way of saying thank you to our colleagues who go above and beyond to have a positive impact on the community.

“Gill does some incredible work with charities and community organisations in Scotland and everyone at Amazon in Dunfermline is proud of her. Gill is fully deserving of this fantastic nomination, and I wish her the best of luck ahead of the big reveal of this year’s winners.”  

Last year, the three winners were: Aizaz Hussain, a spoken-word artist who dedicates his time and his art to helping people with mental health struggles; Phil Hayden, a dedicated NHS volunteer who has also made more than 600 blood donations over the past 36 years; and Richard Burtenshaw, a community children’s football coach who found creative ways of keeping the players active during lockdown.

Report: Ukraine six months on

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to nearly one third of Ukrainians being displaced from their homes. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that more than 7.6 million Ukrainians had been displaced across Europe.

🔎 The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) has taken a closer look at Scotland’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme, six months after it was introduced.

You can read it here: https://spice-spotlight.scot/…/displaced-ukrainians-in…/

Ukraine invasion: Truss to tell G7 leaders ‘We must not waver one iota’

  • Prime Minister Liz Truss will join a virtual gathering of G7 leaders and President Zelenskyy today (Tuesday 11 October).
  • Meeting comes in the wake of Putin’s illegal annexation of four Ukrainian territories and a brutal assault on Ukrainian civilians in Kyiv and elsewhere.
  • The Prime Minister will ask countries to maintain biting sanctions and call for a full meeting of NATO leaders in the coming days.

G7 leaders will meet today (Tuesday 11 October) to reiterate the unity of opposition to Putin’s continued brutality in Ukraine.

In the last 24 hours Russia has stepped up its attacks on Ukrainian cities like Kyiv, killing civilians and cutting off electricity and communications. This follows Putin’s orchestration of sham referendums in an attempt to annex four Ukrainian regions.

Today’s video call, which will also be attended by President Zelenskyy, is the first gathering of all G7 leaders since Ukraine’s counter-offensive started to take hold in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister will use the call to urge fellow leaders to stay the course. She will point out that Ukraine’s military advances have been made possible thanks to the international support they are receiving – not just in terms of military aid, but also humanitarian assistance and the impact of western sanctions against Russia.

The Prime Minister is also calling for an urgent meeting of NATO leaders, ensuring allies remain united and resolute in their opposition to Putin’s behaviour.

Addressing fellow G7 leaders, the Prime Minister is expected to say: “The overwhelming international support for Ukraine’s struggle stands in stark opposition to the isolation of Russia on the international stage.

‘Their bravery in the face of the most brutal acts of violence has earned the people of Ukraine global admiration.

‘Nobody wants peace more than Ukraine. And for our part, we must not waver one iota in our resolve to help them win it.’

Yesterday the Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy to condemn the recent attacks on Kyiv and the annexation of Ukrainian territories, and to reiterate the UK’s support.

This year the UK has committed £2.3 billion in military support to Ukraine, which has enabled the provision of Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, hundreds of rockets, thousands of rounds of ammunition, crucial defence vehicles and five air defence systems including Starstreak.

As the Ukrainian Armed Forces face a difficult winter, the UK is also providing critical cold weather gear and other forms of non-lethal support to bolster their resilience.

Later this week, all UN members will vote on Russia’s breach of the UN Charter with its annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. 141 UN member states voted to condemn Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in March, and earlier this month the majority of UN Security Council members voted against the recent annexations.

In their call today, G7 leaders are also expected to discuss the global energy crisis precipitated by Putin’s actions. The group is currently working to finalise and implement an international cap on the price of Russian oil, which will further damage Putin’s revenue stream.

The Prime Minister will point to this action as evidence of what the G7 can do both to constrain Putin and act as an economic NATO, defending our countries’ interests.

The Prime Minister is working with fellow leaders to increase our energy independence and end the global reliance on malign states, such as Russia, in our critical resources.

Condemned flats to be brought back into use to support Ukranian refugees

Funding allocation to increase housing supply

North Ayrshire Council has been awarded funding through the Scottish Government’s Ukraine Longer-Term Resettlement Fund to refurbish properties to be used on an interim basis by people who have fled the conflict in Ukraine.

Through the fund, up to £50 million has been made available to Councils and Registered Social Landlords to bring properties back into use that would otherwise not be available to let.

Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine Neil Gray said: “Scotland continues to stand with the rest of the UK, Europe and the world, in condemnation of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

“Since the conflict began, more than 20,000 people with a Scottish sponsor have arrived, representing 20% of all UK arrivals – the most per head of any of the four nations. More than three quarters of these arrivals have come through our Super Sponsor Scheme.

“This fund is going to help us meet the housing needs of displaced people from Ukraine by providing them with longer-term, sustainable accommodation. I want to thank North Ayrshire Council for their creativity in finding local solutions that boost the overall supply of homes at a time when they are needed most.

“This week, I have written to local authorities and social landlord representatives across the country to encourage them to look at their current housing supply and identify unused accommodation so that we can increase the supply of available accommodation and provide people from Ukraine with safe and secure homes for their time here.”

The award of £486,000 will allow five blocks of three-storey flats at Glebe Place, Saltcoats, – previously earmarked for demolition – to be upgraded and brought back into use for a period of 3 years after which they will be reassessed as part of the council’s new build housing programme.  This enables the council to retain their commitment of 1,625 new homes by 31 March 2027.

North Ayrshire Council Leader Marie Burns said: “We have welcomed more than 200 Ukrainians to North Ayrshire and are ready to welcome more in the coming weeks and months.

“With funding now secured from the Scottish Government’s Ukraine Longer-Term Resettlement Fund, we are looking to begin improvement works within the next few weeks.

“While there is understandable uncertainty for anyone arriving here from Ukraine, it’s important that they feel secure and supported – having that secure tenancy will help. We want them to feel like North Ayrshire is a home away from home.”

Homes for displaced people from Ukraine