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Third anniversary of war in Ukraine marked in Scotland

PA Media Three young Ukrainian children look down at poppy wreaths at a war memorial. They are wearing Ukrainian national dress. Two girls are wearing flower garlands in their hair and one is holding a small Ukrainian flag PA Media
Ukranian children (from left) Varvara Tkachenko, Olexander Pidhirnyi and Ylesaveta Pidhirnyi at the service to mark the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine has been marked in Scotland with a special service at the National War Memorial.

First Minister John Swinney and a number of Scottish and Ukrainian dignitaries were joined by members of the Ukrainian community at the Edinburgh Castle event.

MSPs, councillors, and representatives of the UK armed forces also attended. The first minister read from scripture and a choir sang the Ukrainian national anthem.

Other events were held in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, including protests against Russia.

PA Media A number of dignitaries, some in uniform, look down at poppy wreaths at a war memorialPA Media
First Minister John Swinney (second right) was among the dignitaries who attended the service at the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle

Andriy Madzyanovsky, Ukraine's consul in Edinburgh, said the service had been "very emotional".

The diplomat, who took up his post three months ago after serving in government positions in the Lviv region, said his countrymen were shedding blood "every minute, every hour" to resist the Russian invasion.

"To be here right now in Edinburgh, with our friends and our partners: the Scottish people and the Scottish government; we really appreciate how Scottish people have shown us powerful support," he said.

He added: "I have no words to express my feelings of gratitude to the people, and the UK and Scottish governments."

He said Ukrainians wanted to live in peace but must enter any negotiations in a strong position, warning against "appeasement".

Swinney said: "For me, the moment where the Ukrainian national anthem was sung with such strength and beauty was an indication of the solidarity Scotland shows to the people of Ukraine on this significant anniversary, where we recommit ourselves to supporting Ukraine, its territorial integrity and its independence."

A row of people with banners relating to the war in Ukraine. A woman nearest the camera is wearing Ukrainian national dress with a flower garland in her hair and is carrying a number of small light blue and yellow Ukrainian flags. A man next to her has a large Ukrainian flag.
A protest took place in Edinburgh's Bristo Square
Protest in Marischal Square, Aberdeen. A poster featuring the Saltire and the Ukrainian flag reads Deeply Grateful! 2022-2025 Stay With Ukraine. Two adjacent buildings are lit in the Ukrainian colours of yellow and blue.
Protests were also held in Marischal Square, Aberdeen

Also at the service were the family of Jordan Maclachlan, a 26-year-old from the Highlands who was killed in January while serving as a medic for the Ukrainian army.

The first minister said he had spoken to Mr Mclachlan's family, adding: "I hope they felt the warm embrace of their country around about them.

"They are suffering unbearable pain, but I do hope they felt some support and encouragement and empathy from their fellow Scots.

"We have to make sure the sacrifice that Jordan made was a sacrifice that results in the freedom of the people of Ukraine, which is what he was fighting for."

Mr Madzyanovsky also paid tribute to Mr McLachlan, saying "he died not only for Ukraine, he died for human values".

A number of people, many draped in blue and yellow Ukrainian flags stand in a circle on grass in front of university buildings
Students also paid their respects at the University of Aberdeen