Angus Council raised the flag of Ukraine at its headquarters in Forfar today.
In so doing, the Council demonstrated its steadfast support of Ukraine and a solidarity with its people, as their immense suffering continues due to Russia’s illegal invasion.
The occasion also marks the beginning of what it is hoped will be an enduring sister town/area relationship between Sumy Oblast, also known as Sumshchyna, a province in the northeast of Ukraine, and Angus Council. The relationship will aim to develop human and cultural relations between both areas and to establish a firm foundation for future understanding, respect and friendship between their people.
Cllr Lloyd Melville raised the flag at Orchardbank today, where he was joined by Provost Craig Fotheringham; Council Leader George Meechan; and Veterans’ Champion Cllr Ronnie Proctor. Cllr Bill Duff, Leader of the Opposition, also attended.
At Angus Council’s meeting on 20 March, Cllr Melville (seconded by Cllr Proctor) proposed the flying of the flag and friendship agreement.
His motion, which was unanimously agreed, called on the Council to unequivocally condemn the Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and acknowledge the right of Ukraine as a sovereign nation to exist as an independent, democratic, state, free from the threat of aggression by its neighbours.
The motion urged the UK Government to increase aid to Ukraine to ensure it can continue to defend itself, express support for the country’s brave and determined people and its military; called on the Council to continue its work (with Scottish and UK governments) in welcoming and supporting people from Ukraine to settle in Angus for as long as they need to; and enter into a friendship agreement with Sumy Oblast.
Cllr Melville said: "I'm delighted to be raising the Ukrainian flag at Angus House today.
"The people of Angus stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and in condemnation of Russia's illegal aggression.
"We want to see a just and lasting peace, and as a Council we will do all we can to support those Ukrainian friends we are hosting, for the duration of the conflict."
Sumy Oblast has been identified by the Ukrainian Embassy as a potential partner for Angus and the Council will unite behind two key messages that there must be a just and lasting peace in Ukraine to ensure the future security of Europe; and that Ukraine must remain a free and independent national with its people in charge of their own destiny.
Cllr Proctor said: “Last week we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, but war is still ongoing in Europe. The Ukrainian flag flying here at Angus House reminds people of the ongoing conflict and that the people of Angus, Scotland and the United Kingdom stand four-square behind the Ukrainian people in their struggle against tyranny and the illegal invasion of their country.
“We shall not forget the huge numbers of Ukrainian service personnel who have died and also the civilians - men women and children - who have been killed.
“Laurence Binyon’s words are still just as relevant today as they were 80 years ago- They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them”.
Councillors agreed that the Ukraine flag will fly at Orchardbank for the duration of the continuing war and illegal occupation of Ukraine’s territories.