Scots continue to protest against Ukraine invasion as Russia attacks
Demonstrations took place in Glasgow and Edinburgh as the conflict entered its third day
Last updated 26th Feb 2022
Hundreds of people in Scotland took to the streets in protest over Russia's invasion of Ukraine as the conflict entered its third day.
Ukrainians living in Scotland gathered in Glasgow on Saturday to call for extra help as friends and family back home struggle to flee the country.
Demonstrators assembled in George Square from 11.00am with most people holding homemade signs and flying the Ukrainian flag.
READ MORE: WATCH: Mercy Corps mobilise to provide humanitarian aid in Ukraine
A second demonstration protesting over the Russian invasion gathered near the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh.
Tears were shed as chants of 'free Ukraine' and 'slava Ukraini' ('glory to Ukraine') filled the air in Glasgow as the protest grew in size.
One Ukrainian demonstrator was seen to video call a friend back in Ukraine, sharing the moment of unity in George Square with him.
Invading Russian forces have closed in on Ukraine’s capital after a number of air strikes on cities and military bases in recent days.
Ukraine has confirmed 198 of its people - including three children - have been killed by Russian forces since Thursday.
But Russia insists it's not targeting Ukrainian cities and is taking measures to avoid civilian casualties.
READ MORE: Glasgow suspends twinning agreement with Russian town
The First Minister praised those defending Kyiv last night on Twitter.
Nicola Sturgeon said Scotland sends "strength and solidarity" in the face of Russian forces advancing on the city.
Russian troops are pressing toward Ukraine's capital after a night of explosions and street fighting that sent Kyiv residents seeking shelter underground.
Hundreds of casualties were reported in the fighting, which included shelling that sliced through a Kyiv apartment building and pummelled bridges and schools.
A warning issued on Saturday advised residents to remain in shelters, to avoid going near windows or on balconies and to take precautions against being hit by debris or bullets.
There also were growing signs that Russia may be seeking to overthrow Ukraine's government, which US officials have described as Russian President Vladimir Putin's ultimate objective.
READ MORE: Russian man in Glasgow worried about 'hostility and discrimination'
The country's president refused an American offer to leave the city, insisting he would stay and adding: "The fight is here."
In a chilling statement issued several hours earlier, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said of Russia: "This is the night they will storm".
"This night we have to stand firm," he said. "The fate of Ukraine is being decided right now."
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has "no conceivable justification" and will leave a "permanent stain" on the reputation of President Vladimir Putin's regime, Scotland's External Affairs Secretary has said.
Scotland's External Affairs Secretary says the conflict will leave a "permanent stain" on Putin's reputation
Angus Robertson has written to the Russian ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, to make clear that the Scottish Government condemns the "unprovoked invasion of a peaceful, democratic neighbour in the strongest possible terms".
In his letter Mr Robertson suggested there should be an "immediate cessation of Russia's aggression" as he called for troops to be withdrawn from Ukraine immediately.
Mr Robertson spoke out as the UK pledged it would continue to supply arms to Ukraine's embattled military, as fighting with Russian forces reached the outskirts of the capital Kyiv.
The Russian attack, which started in the early hours of Thursday, has already sparked a series of demonstrations in Scotland, with more planned for over the weekend.
Mr Robertson was clear that Russia's "illegal act of aggression has no conceivable justification".
He told Mr Kelin: "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."
READ MORE: WATCH: Protestors gather at Russian consulate in Edinburgh
He added that Scotland offered its "unqualified support for Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity".
Mr Robertson continued: "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.
"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."