Vladimir Putin is committing crimes against humanity in Ukraine
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In recent weeks our television screens and social media feeds have been filled with the horrors of war in Ukraine and the devastation caused by Putin’s regime.
With every hour and day that passes, the scenes we’re witnessing become even more horrific and distressing.
Last week the world looked on in horror as the Russians targeted and shelled a maternity hospital in Mariupol – something that we all hoped we’d never see.
Every day we’re seeing Vladimir Putin committing crimes against international law and crimes against humanity. He is committing war crimes.
It is vital that the international community does everything possible to stop Putin’s aggression and he must pay the severest price for the crimes he is committing and the suffering he is inflicting on the people of Ukraine.
Russia’s invasion, as well as causing devastation across Ukraine and the loss of life, has also created the largest movement of refugees in Europe since the Second World War.
Well over 2.5 million people have now fled from their homes in Ukraine in search of safety, leaving behind a life and loved ones unsure when they will be able to return and what will be left of their home country when they do.
Neighbouring countries have opened their doors to those people fleeing, with Poland now having welcomed over 1.7 million people.
The European Union moved quickly to offer immediate international protection to those fleeing bombs, offering health care and permission to live and work anywhere in the EU without the need for visas.
In comparison, the UK Government’s response has been far too slow and hasn’t gone far enough.
By refusing to waive visas for those fleeing Ukraine, many of those trying to make their way to the UK have found themselves tied up with bureaucracy.
The UK Government has shown itself to be out of touch with public opinion on this crisis, with people in Moray, Scotland and across the UK willing to throw open the doors and their hearts to those leaving Ukraine.
My own office has been inundated with emails and messages from constituents looking to find out how they can support Ukrainians arriving in the UK, with many offering spare rooms and accommodation.
The Scottish Government has urged UK Ministers to do more and stands ready to work together, and with local authorities to provide accommodation and support to those arriving in Scotland.
I’m liaising with the Moray Council as to plans for resettlement here in Moray and if anyone would like to be kept up to date, they should email me on richard.lochhead.msp@parliament.scot.
Locally, people in Moray have shown real solidarity with those in Ukraine. The response in our local communities has been incredibly heartening. Individuals, businesses, and community groups have rallied to organise collections and to raise funds to support those people affected by the war.
In the days, weeks, and months ahead, it is vital that we do all we can to offer sanctuary to those fleeing war and to support the people fighting for their country in Ukraine.
- Richard Lochhead is MSP for Moray.
