Ukraine invasion / MP and vice-convener mark anniversary of Ukraine invasion
SHETLAND Islands Council’s depute convener Bryan Peterson and isles MP Alistair Carmichael have been paying tribute to the sacrifices the people of Ukraine are making by defending their country against the Russian aggression.
On the first anniversary of the invasion Carmichael also acknowledged the efforts by people in the Northern Isles to show solidarity with Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began.
Since the start of invasion on 24 February last year, several local families have opened their homes to Ukrainian refugees.
“With everything else that has happened in the year since Putin’s brutal attack began – political turmoil, energy challenges and economic woes – it would be easy to forget that there are still Ukrainians putting their lives on the line day after day,” he said.
“While we can count ourselves lucky not to be on the front lines of this conflict, I am proud of the different ways that islanders have stood up in solidarity with Ukraine.
“We saw this in the early days of the war when people protested against the access of Russian tankers to our oil terminals and won a swift ban from the government.
“We saw it in the way that people have opened their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict – and in the efforts to raise money and supplies such as Gaan the Distance for Ukraine.
“The challenges we face in the isles and around the country ourselves should not be downplayed. We can spare a moment now, however, to reflect on this conflict and the lives lost and upturned by this war, and redouble efforts to support those under attack.”
Bryan Peterson said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on what the Ukrainian people had to go through.
“It’s hard to imagine the horrors that the people of Ukraine have experienced in the last 12 months since their homeland was invaded by Russian military forces,” he said.
“The images and stories that we have all seen and heard are heart-breaking and bring home the true human cost of the conflict.
“Today’s anniversary is a chance to reflect on the sacrifices and courage of the Ukrainian people, and acknowledge their continued determination to free their country from foreign aggressors.
“As this conflict continues, Shetland, the United Kingdom and the vast majority of the global community still stands in solidarity with Ukraine.”
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