On 24 February 2025, the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was recognised, with Southwest Edinburgh MP Scott Arthur travelling to Ukraine and standing with those who have suffered.
Positing on social media, Arthur said he travelled to Ukraine to “see for himself the impact of the invasion” and to show solidarity with his “Ukrainian brothers and sisters.”
He met Ukrainian MPs, veterans, refugees, hospital staff, and citizens who have had their lives transformed by the war.
He spoke to them to find out the reality of of day to day life, compared to his experience of simply reading it in the news.
Whilst in Ukraine, Arthur noted the number of British vehicle registration plates and British citizens who were helping fight, he stated: “It makes me very proud to see all the British numberplates knowing the vehicles will make such a difference.”
He continued: “I am proud that the UK has helped to arm Ukraine, and also that Edinburgh South West’s 3 Rifles unit has been involved in urban warfare training and drone work with the Ukrainian military.”
The Student spoke to members of the university community about their thoughts and opinions on Arthur’s journey to Ukraine. One student expressed, “Edinburgh MP’s visiting Ukraine helps to highlight the level of support that students have for Ukraine. I am proud to be represented by Scott Arthur.”
Another student was less enthusiastic: “Because you’re a constituency MP you should be focusing more on local issues. I think visiting Ukraine should be a Westminster concern. To me, this feels like he’s not focusing on pressing issues in this area. I think he should be focusing on the diverted and lengthened bus routes.”
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, with the expectation that resistance efforts would be limited and ineffective.
However, the Ukraine military’s initial response, and financial support from international allies, has allowed President Zelensky’s forces to prevent Russia from taking total control of the country.
Since beginning his second term as President of the United States, Donald Trump has been pushing for a peace deal, speaking with Putin and inviting Zelensky to the White House.
The meeting between Zelensky and Trump ended on bad terms, making it less likely that a peace deal favourable to Ukraine will be signed.
“Scott Arthur MP portrait cropped” by Roger Harris is licensed under CC BY 3.0.
