Ukrainians gathered in Edinburgh for a ceremony to mark the country's independence day and remember those who have fallen in the "cruel" war with Russia.
Outside Edinburgh city chambers, members of the Association of Ukrainians of Great Britain took part in the ceremony for the country's 35th independence day. Representatives from organisations including the Scottish Government and the city council observed a moment of silence before wreaths were laid at the Stone of Remembrance.
The Ukrainian national anthem was sung at the end of the ceremony. The milestone comes as the full-scale war with Russia is in its fifth year; Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union on August 24 1991.
Consul General's message
Andrii Madzianovsky, Ukraine's consul general in Edinburgh, said his compatriots were celebrating their country's independence as well as remembering those who have died. He told the Press Association: "This year is the fifth year of Ukraine's difficult struggle with the Russian aggressor."
"Ukraine has lost many people with this cruel war." He continued: "But Ukraine is still alive. Ukraine is fighting right now. We are suffering, of course, we are almost exhausted, but we will never give up because it's a question of our existence – it's a question of freedom for Europe."
He thanked people in Scotland who had "opened their hearts and souls" to Ukrainians who have arrived since the outbreak of war in February 2022. About 30,000 Ukrainians, mainly women and children, came to Scotland after Russia invaded.
Support from UK leaders
Mr Madzianovsky also welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham's visit to Kyiv, his first foreign trip since entering Number 10 in July, calling it a "good sign" of the UK's ongoing support. He said: "Andy Burnham's visit on this important day of Ukrainian history is very important for us. We have hope that our next agreement with United Kingdom will help us to fight more effectively with Russia."
Simita Kumar, the minister for equalities and international development, laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance on behalf of the Scottish Government. She told PA: "While it's a day for celebration, it's also a day to make sure that we keep calling out the Russian invasion and that it does not get out of people's minds that there are still people out there fighting each and every day for their freedoms."
