On 24 February 2022 Russia invaded the independent nation of Ukraine. There was an outpouring of support in Orkney at the time, with events taking place on the Kirk Green, Broad Street Kirkwall.
Other events happened with fundraising and relief to aid Ukraine against the invaders. That fundraising continues by a few individuals to this day.
Now entering its fifth year, the bloodshed continues. The United Nations reports that “Over 10 million people need humanitarian assistance. More than 10 million remain displaced: 3.4 million people inside the country and nearly 6 million abroad.”
2025 was the deadliest year since 2022 for civilians. “In 2026, homes, hospitals, schools and energy infrastructure continue to be destroyed, month after month.”
The Orkney News has published several articles supporting the people of Ukraine and what citizens in both Orkney and Scotland can do to provide assistance.
OCHA has published a “Ukraine Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2026 (January 2026) [EN/UK]”
The Foreword states: ” Ukrainians have shown extraordinary courage, but they should not be expected to endure the unendurable without consistent, principled support. “
Matthias Schmale is the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine. He said:
“At its core, this remains a protection crisis. Older people who cannot easily move, people with disabilities, single parents, vulnerable children and adolescents, people with chronic illnesses and those already displaced are among the first to feel every shock and the last to recover.
“Behind every statistic there are individuals and families, weighing the daunting decision of whether to stay or to leave everything behind for the unknown.”
3.7 million people are displaced within Ukraine. Nearly 6 million remain abroad. Many have been displaced several times. It is a story all too familiar in areas where the invader’s military might is being meted out on civilian populations.
The Scottish Government has been supporting the people of Ukraine through the Homes for Ukraine scheme and becoming a host for those fleeing the attacks on their homeland.
This week the Scottish Government announced that it will be sending 280 tonnes of used salmon fishing nets. These will be used in the constant defence that is required against Russian drone attacks. Once destined for recycling the nets will be repurposed to be draped over vital infrastructure in Ukraine protecting them from drones.
External Affairs Secretary in the Scottish Government Angus Robertson said:
“As we approach the fourth anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine the Scottish Government is committed to aiding Ukraine’s defence and this donation demonstrates that our support is unwavering.
“The Ukrainian Minister for the Development of Communities made a direct request for Scotland to supply used fishing nets, which would be repurposed to provide anti-drone netting on public roads in Eastern Ukraine.
“We identified 228 old salmon farm nets, weighing 280 tonnes, sitting in storage awaiting disposal. They work by trapping the drone propellers, stopping them reaching their target.
“Drone attacks are a near daily occurrence. They have been responsible for many deaths and casualties as well as causing huge devastation across Ukraine. This will help counter some of these deadly attacks.”
The used fishing nets will join those from Sweden, Denmark, and France in the repurposing of the materials for the defence of Ukraine. The Financial Times has published a fascinating article, ‘Inside the kill zone – Drones are reshaping Ukraine’s frontline — and the future of warfare. ‘
Shipping the used fishing nets is costly and the Directorate for International Trade and Investment (DITI) has allocated £216,000 towards some of the cost.
Fiona Grahame.
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