Cole-Hamilton: UK must stand strong against Putin three years on from illegal invasion

Speaking three years on from Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has said that the UK must stand strong against Putin and boost support for Ukraine by seizing frozen Russian assets, working in close step with Europe and increasing defence spending.

Mr Cole-Hamilton is today attending a commemoration service at Edinburgh Castle, where he will lay a wreath in remembrance of all those who have lost their lives, loved ones and homes three years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Liberal Democrats have been calling on the UK Government to seize Russian assets frozen by the UK and other European countries, providing Ukraine with a critical rescue package of over £40 billion worth of support.

The party has also urged the Prime Minister to rapidly increase defence spending, aiming to hit 2.5% of GDP on defence as soon as possible.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“Today, my thoughts are with the brave people of Ukraine who have spent the last three years fighting for their survival.

“We live in a new and dangerous world. Now more than ever, we must support our Ukrainian allies, resist Trump’s attempts at a stitch-up with Putin and work with our European neighbours to defend the freedoms we hold so dear.

“If the US will not stand up to Putin’s barbarism, Britain must ensure Europe has the leadership it needs, which starts by increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP as soon as possible.

“My party also wants to see the £40 billion of Russian assets, frozen by the UK and other European countries, being used to give Ukraine a critical boost.”