Ukrainian refugees in Scotland share stories on third anniversary of Russian invasion
Ukrainians have found refuge in Scotland and built communities across the country.
Last updated 24th Feb 2025
Today marks three years since Ukraine was invaded by Russia.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine began on the morning of 24 February 2022 when Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation".
It's estimated that the war has resulted in at least tens of thousands of deaths and has seen refugees strewn across Europe.
Many have settled in Scotland and built communities across the country.
"It's a deeply emotional moment for everyone."
18-year-old Nazarii Lialiuk came to Edinburgh with his sister, mum, grandmother and their dog at the start of the conflict.
He said: "It's a deeply emotional moment for everyone, it marks three years since my life changed completely.
"Having to leave my home, move to a new country and rebuild my future.
"At the same time, it serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Ukrainians across the world.
"While I'm here in Scotland, many of my friends and family back home are still facing horrors and challenges."
Nazarii is studying International Relations at The University of Edinburgh and is the first Ukrainian member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Edinburgh Eastern.
Speaking about life in Scotland's capital, he said: "Edinburgh has been a welcoming and supportive city, and we are truly grateful for everything it has given to us.
"The chance to study for me, and contribute to our new community."
"I feel lost."
31-year-old Ana Bohuslavska and her husband Oleksii Koliukh, 31, were on holiday when the invasion started and haven't been able to return to Ukraine since.
Ana told us what it was like three years ago, she said: "We were on holiday when we got the devastating news of the Russian invasion.
"Everything was heavily affected from the very start so it was not safe for us to go home.
"It took about a month to get our visas to come to Glasgow to stay with my brother.
"In the meantime, we had to move between a few countries in Europe.
Oleksii says they're so grateful to the support they've received here. He said: "The people of Glasgow were incredibly kind.
"Locals did whatever they could to help and charities stepped in with essentials like clothes and toiletries. Food banks were also a great help.
"I also want to mention the Ukrainian community here, it wasn't very big at the time but it quickly came together and they even set up a hub to help people with different needs."
Ana added: "I feel lost. Despite what some people say about the war ending soon, Ukraine's future is far from certain.
"Even if there is a ceasefire in the coming months, without solid security guarantees from Western countries I am sure Russia will regroup and attack again.
"Now, with the war entering its third year, you can feel the fatigue - I just hope that democratic nations give us support."
In recent days, US President Donald Trump called Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and blamed Ukraine for Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said yesterday that he would give up his presidency in exchange for Ukraine's Nato membership.
He added that it is not his "dream" to be president for a decade, and he would leave his position if it led to peace for Ukraine.
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