One year on: Scotland stands with Ukraine
Today marks one year since Russia invaded - how has Scotland played its part in standing with the Ukrainian people?
Last updated 24th Feb 2023
February 24th 2023 marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Millions have been forced to flee from their homes, civilians have been killed, lives changed forever.
One year on, the war is raging unabated with further offensives expected over the coming months.
Many Scottish people have stepped up to help Ukrainians, some have organised donation drives, others have offered a home to refugees, and some have even travelled to Ukraine to take matters into their own hands.
One year since war came to Europe, we are taking a look at what everyday Scottish people have done, and are still doing to support those who have had their lives torn apart by war, and at those at home and abroad feeling the impact.
READ MORE: 'If we have to die, we will': Ukraine conflict explained by the people living through it
Home from Home: Ukrainians in Scotland
Edinburgh charity Dnipro Kids helped evacuate 52 Ukrainian orphans to the UK following the Russian Invasion.
The charity was started by Hibs fans, when the Scottish football side played Dnipro in the UEFA Cup in 2005.
We've been speaking to Dnipro Kids founder and Chair Steven Carr, who gave us a tour of where the Ukrainian orphans have been staying since arriving in Scotland.
He said: "We've actually kept all six of the orphanage families all together because we felt it was important that they've been able to support each other."
He added: "It's been amazing the support that we've had to be able to get them all here I've managed to get them all in the same school as well."
More information about the work of Dnipro Kids can be found at dniprokids.com
READ MORE: Ukrainian orphans given green light to come to the UK
Questions over long term housing for refugees
Neil Gray, the Scottish Government minister for Ukrainian refugees said: "I'm incredibly proud of the contribution that Scotland has made as a good global citizen to offer sanctuary to over 23,000 Ukrainians."
He's also announced an additional £1 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
With over 23,000 Ukrainian's arriving in Scotland from war-torn Ukraine, we spoke to Natalia, who has been living with a sponsor in Glasgow.
Natalia's Story
Natalia Hevak and her family into family come to our Support Hub for Ukrainians every week at St. Michael's Church in Glasgow.
Her teenage son is in a wheelchair and needs extra support. They've been living with your sponsor in Lanark for more than nine months.
She told us: "We are really happy to stay with them but they need to have their own life as well like to be able to accept five people in your house complete strangers with a disabled child that's really challenging"
They've been offered a house closer to her son's hospital appointments in Glasgow, but it's still not suitable for them.
Natalia said: "With a child who's bigger than you. You need to have access to a hoist."
The Minister for Ukrainian Refugees insists support from the Scottish Government for refugees is there.
Neil Gray said: We've set up a £50 million capital fun to see previously disused or void social properties brought back int
First Minister marks first anniversary
Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told Ukrainian refugees that Scotland will be their home for as long as it needs to be, marking the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 after president Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" seeking the "demilitarisation" and "denazification" of Ukraine.
READ MORE: Scotland stands with Ukraine
Since the invasion, tens of thousands of people have died as a result of the conflict and around 17 million people are currently displaced, either within Ukraine or as refugees across Europe.
About 23,000 Ukrainians have been welcomed to Scotland through the super sponsor scheme.
Ms Sturgeon told refugees in an open letter: "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."
MFR will bring you special news bulletins through the day, marking exactly one year since Russia invaded Ukraine.