Fife's councillors to hold debate on Ukraine situation

Councillors in Fife will hold a discussion today about the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

A motion, proposed by Councillor John Beare and seconded by SNP co-leader of the local authority David Alexander, features within the agenda for today's meeting of Fife Council, which is being livestreamed on its website through Microsoft Teams.

Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, has told Sky News in an interview that his nation can't stop the war against Russia alone and said nations must act now before it's "too late".

Today marks two weeks since the start of the invasion of the eastern European country by Russia.

In a speech last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he decided to conduct a "special military operation".

Part of the SNP's motion at the council reads: "Fife Council is appalled at the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

"Noting that the waging of aggressive war is a criminal act under international law, in particular Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.

"The council joins with the civilised world in condemning the actions of President Putin in initiating the war which is taking an increasing toll of military personnel and non-combatant civilians alike.

"The council supports the Scottish and UK Governments, other nations and allies in deploying measures aimed at ending the illegal Russian invasion and supporting the government and people of Ukraine in the defence of their country and the lives and liberties of their people.

"The council stands ready to assist in all appropriate ways offering humanitarian support and refuge to the people of Ukraine in this ordeal, as it has recently done for Syrian refugees and those evacuated from Afghanistan."

There are also amendments from both Labour and the Conservatives.

David Ross, the council's Labour co-leader, has proposed their amendment, with Councillor Judy Hamilton seconding it.

It's calling on the UK Government to relax arrangements for refugees from Ukraine wanting to enter the UK.

The amendment reads: "Council expresses its concern at the restrictive approach to issuing visas for Ukrainian refugees currently being taken by the Home Office and calls on the UK Government to relax, expand and streamline arrangements for Ukrainian refugees to enter the UK."

Councillors Kathleen Leslie and Darren Watt have proposed and seconded their own amendment respectively for the Conservatives.

It reads: "Council notes the longstanding history of Fifers in supporting refugee and humanitarian crisis appeals.

"Today, Council recognises and thanks the contributions of individuals and groups across Fife in donating to Ukrainian refugee appeals.

"Council stands with President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people in their right to live freely in a Ukraine as recognised by the international community since 1991."

The Home Office has published a range of guidance on its website on UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals.

In a short update, the motion was backed by the Liberal Democrats.