Angus Robertson demands Russian diplomats are expelled from Scotland

Ian Blackford, the SNP's Westminster leader, wrote to Boris Johnson yesterday asking him to "kick out" Andrey Kelin, pictured below, immediately.

Speaking to the BBC on Sunday morning, Mr Robertson backed Mr Blackford's demand and added that not only should the ambassador be expelled but Putin's Scottish based officials too.

"I agree with Ian Blackford. The idea that we should have Russian diplomats in the UK supporting the Kremlin lies about the war in Ukraine is intolerable," he said.

"This is not normal circumstances. This is not a time for normal diplomatic relations and the thing that Putin understands is power and the thing that Putin understands is people acting and reacting to what it is he is doing."

He added: "So not only should the Russian ambassador be sent back to Russia to explain that the UK is not prepared to put up with what is going on but we have Russian diplomats based in Scotland. We have to ask ourselves 'Why are these people here in support of Putin's war in Ukraine?' It's intolerable."

During the interview Mr Robertson said the UK needs to apply "maximum pressure" on Russia in a bid to force the withdrawal of troops from Ukraine.

He also insisted Westminster needs to "change its policy and allow refugees from Ukraine into the UK" in the same way that other European nations have done.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already demanded the Home Office lift visa requirements on those arriving from Ukraine, as she pledged that the Scottish Government "stands ready to help and play our full part in resettlement effort".

Mr Robertson said: "We need to be open-hearted, we need to support the Ukrainian people. This is their hour of need and we need to be there for them."

Britain, the US, Canada and the European Union have already announced that selected Russian banks will be excluded from the Swift global payments system.

They also said they will be imposing "restrictive measures" to prevent the Russian Central Bank from deploying its international reserves in ways that undermine the impact of sanctions.

This action could lead to a "very, very rapid economic deterioration" within Russia, Mr Robertson said.

"That is what President Putin needs to feel, and we need to work with everybody to maximise the pressure on him so that he realises he cannot go on unchecked."

He went on: "Unfortunately we're past the stage of deterrence with President Putin.

"What we need to do is make sure we apply maximum pressure on the Russian government so there is a price to pay for continuing with this aggressive military campaign in Ukraine."

With war in Ukraine likely to force a rise in both food and energy prices, Mr Roberson said people in the UK need to understand "there will be a cost".

But he added: "War is even more costly, so let's do what we can to help President Putin understand he cannot go on with this military aggression.

"Our friends in Ukraine need to know we will do everything in our means to help them, in terms of humanitarian aid, military support and in supporting those who are seeking refuge elsewhere in Europe.

"Sanctions need to be tightened this week, governments need to speak to one another, there is always more we can do."

He also said discussions are under way between the Scottish Government and UK authorities about whether the oil tanker NS Champion - which is owned and operated by Sovcomflot, a company wholly owned by the Russian government - should be allowed to dock in UK waters.

The vessel is expected to arrive at the Flotta oil terminal in Orkney on Tuesday, with Alistair Carmichael, Liberal Democrat MP for the islands, having raised concerns about this with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

UK authorities "have got a big decision to take whether we're going to allow Russian-owned or chartered vessels to dock in UK ports", Mr Robertson said.

"I don't think it is time for business as usual, and the Scottish Government is in discussions with the UK authorities about this very particular case, but there will be others.

"This is a very good example of an area where we are going to have to act decisively, in my view, because we cannot carry on as if nothing is happening on the far side of Europe."

Mr Robertson's demand to expell Russian diplomats was backed by the Scottish Greens who added their voice calling for the UK Government to expel Russia’s Consul-General in Edinburgh.

Scottish Greens external affairs spokesperson Ross Greer said: “Russia has committed unquestionable war crimes in Ukraine.

"The growing package of sanctions and diplomatic measures being taken in response should include the expulsion of a number of Russian government officials from Ukraine’s allies, including the UK.

"Putin has used his diplomatic network to spread lies and disinformation, including outright denials that an invasion was coming.

"Russian citizens in Scotland, who are certainly not to blame for the Kremlin’s actions, can continue receiving any support they need without the consul-general himself being present.

"No stone should be left unturned in our efforts to maximise the pressure felt by Putin and those around him.”

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon calls for clarity from Home Office over Ukrainian refugees

Mr Blackford wrote to the Prime Minister yesterday to request the UK send Mr Kelin back to Russia with the clear message to Putin that his country is becoming a pariah state.

The SNP MP said: "Hour by hour the unfolding events in Ukraine become increasingly more desperate and disturbing and we must act without hesitation. Russia must face the full force of sanctions.

“While I welcome the measures imposed so far, the UK Government has not acted quickly enough or decisively enough. There is still more the UK must do – economically, diplomatically and culturally – including kicking out the Russian ambassador immediately.

“While working with the international community in imposing ever-tightening restrictions on Russia, it is imperative we send the strongest possible message that Putin’s act of war cannot and will not be tolerated.

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“The Russian ambassador’s continued presence on British soil is an insult to the people of the Ukraine. Allowing Putin’s puppet to remain in London on the premise of keeping open communications with Moscow is futile when Putin clearly is not ready to listen.

“Andrey Kelin must be despatched back to the Kremlin with the clear message that Russia will be reduced to an international pariah if he does not end his obscene warmongering.

"We must be united in the face of Putin's aggression and the coordinated solidarity shown for Ukraine cannot waiver until Russian forces withdraw.”

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Russian consulate in Edinburgh on Thursday and Friday, voicing their outrage at the war.

A megaphone was passed around protesters, some sharing personal stories about relatives hiding in basements in Kyiv to avert shelling and gunfire, with others urging the Scottish Government and other European powers to do more.

People also wrote messages such as "I stand with Ukraine" in chalk on the pavement outside the consulate.