SNP Government refuses further military support for Ukraine

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today expressed his disappointment and warned that Scotland is at risk of abandoning our Ukrainian allies after the Deputy First Minister passed up an opportunity to commit to further funding for military aid.

In response to a letter from Mr Cole-Hamilton asking whether the Scottish Government has any plans to provide further funding for military aid to Ukraine, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes noted that “it is essential that both the Scottish and UK governments continue to help the people of Ukraine and support all international efforts to secure a strong and durable peace” but refused to commit to further support.

In April, Mr Cole-Hamilton drove to Lviv to deliver a consignment of medical aid for immediate use on the front lines. Alongside several other parliamentarians and the charity Mighty Convoy, he met with Ukrainian politicians and soldiers and visited a drone factory, where he soldiers told him about the importance of securing and expanding drone production.

In June 2022, the Scottish Government announced that it would provide £65 million for military aid to Ukraine. This contribution was part of the £1 billion funding from the UK Government, which was used to help Ukraine finance air defence systems and vital medical kit for soldiers.

Commenting on the letter, Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“This is short-term thinking from the Scottish Government. It’s disappointing that Kate Forbes has passed up a commitment to further funding for the Ukrainian war effort.

“If Putin’s war machine is allowed to roll over Ukraine, the West will face similar threats again in Poland or the Baltics. Tackling those threats will come at a far greater cost.

“When I visited Lviv, I was impressed by the bravery and fortitude of the Ukrainian forces. They are immensely grateful for the support Scotland has given but the demands for military, economic and medical aid are huge.

“Helping Ukraine roll back the Russians is a sensible investment to deliver a peaceful future. I hope that the SNP will change course and ensure that we do not abandon our Ukrainian allies.”