Protesters in Scotland join global public outrage over invasion

DEMONSTRATORS protesting over the Russian invasion of Ukraine continued protests across the UK yesterday, gathering near the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, George Square in Glasgow and at the Russian embassy in London, urging politicians to do more to support embattled Ukraine.

Tears were shed as the crowds chanted “please help Ukraine” and “Slava Ukraini” (Glory to Ukraine) in Edinburgh to show their solidarity with those at the hands of Vladimir Putin’s aggressive advance.

The protest came after hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Russian consulate in Edinburgh on Thursday and Friday, voicing their outrage at the war.

A megaphone was passed around demonstrators, some sharing personal stories about relatives currently hiding in basements in Kyiv to avert shelling and gunfire, with others urging the Scottish Government and other European powers to do more.

Marjan Pokhyly, originally from Kyiv and now living in Edinburgh, was one of the demonstrators, sharing his concern for his grandmother, who is still in Ukraine.

“On her house there was a mark for artillery strike,” he said. “I don’t know if the mark has been rubbed off, but there were people dressed in regular clothes and they were walking around marking for artillery to strike.”

Also demonstrating was Vlada Kren, who is from Ukraine, but now lives in Edinburgh.

Speaking at the protest, the 40-year-old said: “World, please help. Don’t wait for Putin to attack you, because if it’s as easy as it’s been for Ukraine, I am pretty sure he won’t stop at Ukraine, he will attack the rest of the world.”

Police have said a man launched paint at the Russian embassy in London as Ukrainian protests took place outside the building.

Meanwhile, hundreds gathered outside the embassy in Kensington and at Downing Street yesterday afternoon. Waving flags, banners and placards, the protesters sang the Ukrainian anthem and chanted “Putin stop war”, Putin go home” and “free Ukraine”.

The embassy’s walls were covered in chalk-written messages, Ukrainian flags, eggs and fake blood.

A man also rode past on a bike and threw paint at the wall at just after 3:30pm.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Inquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made. The incident was not connected to a protest that was taking place outside the building at the same time.”

Dozens were there wearing Ukrainian flags tied around their necks. A protester, named Viktor Shevik, 52, said: “I’m disgusted with the actions of this dictator, this bully, this embassy needs to hear our message.”

Mr Shevik, who has lived in west London for 16 years after moving from Kyiv, added: “I worry for my people, we are brave people but Russia is a big country and it is raining bombs on children.

“I hope the soldiers and people of Russia understand they do not need to fight for this maniac.”