Ukraine-Russia crisis: Scottish minister calls for Russia to end 'illegal act of aggression'

Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs Angus Robertson has written to the Russian Ambassador Andrey Kelin condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “in the strongest possible terms”.

In the letter to Mr Kelin, Mr Robertson called for an immediate end to the conflict and demanded that all Russian troops withdraw from Ukraine immediately.

His letter comes two days after UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss summoned the Russian ambassador to condemn the attack on Ukraine. She told Mr Kelin that Russia had repeatedly lied about having no plans to invade Ukraine, and its unprovoked aggression had made it an international pariah.

A Russian flag waves next to one of the Kremlin towers in downtown Moscow on February 26, 2022. Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture at the Scottish Government, has called for Russia to end the "illegal act of aggression" against its neighbour. (Photo by Alexander NEMENOV / AFP) (Photo by ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Robertston said: “The Scottish Government condemns Russia’s unprovoked invasion of a peaceful, democratic neighbour in the strongest possible terms. We call for an immediate cessation of Russia’s aggression and demand that all Russian troops withdraw from Ukraine immediately.

“This illegal act of aggression has no conceivable justification. I reject wholeheartedly the premise of the invasion as stated by President Putin. I deplore the loss of life, including civilian lives, which is the direct responsibility of the Russian regime.”

Mr Robertson said that the invasion follows a “pattern of aggression and belligerence”, but insisted that Scotland’s quarrel “is not with the people of Russia” or the Russian community in Scotland.

Angus Robertson, Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, has written to Russian ambassador to the UK, Andrey Kelin.

He said: “Scotland offers its unqualified support for Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Our capital city Edinburgh is twinned with Kyiv, and our country is home to several thousand Ukrainians who are valued and welcome members of our communities.

“Scotland is also home to many Russians, whom we value equally. They are our friends, family, co-workers and neighbours. Our quarrel is not with the people of Russia, nor the Russian community who live and work in Scotland, but with President Putin’s regime and its deplorable actions.”

He added: “Mr Ambassador, history will judge this week’s events as a permanent stain on this Russian government’s reputation. The international community stands united against such aggression, and Scotland stands with the international community.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.