Dear Convenor, ladies and gentlemen

On behalf of the Ukrainian Consulate, let me start by sincerely thanking you all for the opportunity to address this important gathering here today.

No matter how difficult it is for Ukrainians, everyone understands that there is no alternative but to defend our land. If we have enough weapons, we will be able to stop Russia’s offensive. To defend and stabilize the situation, Ukraine needs to have parity with the enemy in weapons and ammunition. At the same time, to be able to defeat a larger army and create conditions for seizing the strategic initiative, we need to achieve technical superiority in high-tech weapons.

The overall price tag for Ukraine’s recovery as a consequence of devastation caused by Russia has now reached 486 bln USD, according to the most recent report from the World Bank. It estimates direct damages from the war at almost 152 bln USD. Despite this the Ukrainian economy continues its recovery trend. Our goal is to reach not only pre-war export volumes but even higher revenues.

Key sources of financing include confiscated Russian funds, direct allocations from the Ukrainian state budget, funds of international partners, and donor funds across the globe. The UNITED24 fundraising platform continues its work. Since its launch, people and businesses from 110 countries have donated >650,5 mln USD through the platform.

That’s why it is so important for Ukraine’s regions to develop business relationship with our international partners.

So, I want to thank you, Reuben Aitken for supporting today’s CPG meeting where the Scottish Enterprise’s experience could be picked up by the Ukrainian Nazovni platform for building on support for businesses and partners across Ukraine and Scotland to deliver economic transformation. The next five to ten years will be a defining time for our economies.

In the face of serious challenges for Ukraine, and constrained public finances, it’s more important than ever that we focus on where we can make the biggest impact in delivering the ambition that's set out in this Cross-party group's purpose to promote - economic links between Scotland and Ukraine’s regions.

I want to express my deep gratitude to all those who recently welcomed the Ukrainian Team military veterans, who arrived in Scotland for this year’s Cateran Yomp in the Highlands. It was heartwarming to see the outpouring of support and respect for these brave individuals who had been fighting tirelessly to protect their country from Russian aggression.

As we reflect on the sacrifices made by Ukrainian warriors and all those who continue to defend our values and freedoms, I believe it is essential that we honor their memory appropriately. Therefore, I am calling upon all members of the CSP on Ukraine to begin work on establishing a memorial in Scotland dedicated to the Ukrainian heroes who have lost their lives in Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine.

This memorial will serve as a place of remembrance and tribute to those who have given everything to protect their homeland and uphold the principles of peace and democracy. It is our duty to ensure that their legacy lives on and that their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten.

I encourage you to consider this initiative with the utmost importance and to collaborate closely in making this memorial a reality. Together, we can pay tribute to the Ukrainian heroes who have touched our hearts and inspired us with their bravery.

Thank you for your attention and dedication to this important cause. Let us work together to create a lasting tribute to those who have given so much for the cause of freedom and justice for the hole Europe and beyond.