NICOLA Sturgeon has urged Scotland to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine as they defend their independence from Russia.

The First Minister also demanded tougher sanctions against President Vladimir Putin’s regime, saying those announced today by Boris Johnson did not go nearly far enough.

“We must be united… in standing in solidarity with Ukraine and with the people of Ukraine as they defend their independence, their sovereignty and their territorial integrity,” she said.

Ms Sturgeon was speaking as western leaders reacted to President Putin ordering troops into two breakaway eastern provinces in Ukraine under the guise of peacekeeping.

The incursion into the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which have been controlled by Russian separatists for the last eight years, prompted Mr Johnson to announce sanctions against five banks and three Russian oligarchs.

Ms Sturgeon said the developments in Ukraine were “dreadful”. 

She said: “The actions of Putin are utterly indefensible and he must face the most severe sanctions as a consequence of those actions.  

“The announcement by the Prime Minister just a short time ago do not go nearly far enough. 

“He described the limited sanctions announced today as a first tranche.

“I think it is essential that we see further tranches very soon, with very severe sanctions imposed upon Putin and on interests in Russia.

“And we must all, and I hope across this parliament we will, be united in standing in solidarity with Ukraine and with the people of Ukraine as they defend their independence, their sovereignty and their territorial integrity.

“And I’m sure that is something that will unite us across this parliament and indeed across the country.”

In a subsequent statement, Ms Sturgeon added: "I am deeply concerned by the actions of Russia and the disturbing reports of its invasion of Ukraine.

"The Scottish Government unreservedly condemns Russia’s actions, which are in flagrant violation of international law and which further destabilise an already volatile situation.

“The Scottish Government calls for an immediate cessation of such aggressive activities, with an assurance of the protection of all civilians within Ukraine.

“We offer our unqualified support for Ukrainian independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and to the people of Ukraine. We stand with members of the International Community in opposing Russian aggression, in demanding the most severe sanctions on Russia and in seeking to deter a further and wider invasion of Ukraine.”   

Earlier, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross told MSPs the “grave situation in Ukraine” was at the forefront of everyone’s mind today. 

He said the actions of President Putin had “rightly received cross-party condemnation”.

He said: “For weeks we have seen a build-up of activity and threats, but last night’s statement from President Putin provided in the starkest possible terms the reality of what Russia is seeking to do. 

“We must stand together, supporting the UK Government, governments around Europe and across the world as they seek to deal with the current and future threats from Russia. 

“But above all else, we have to make it very clear that we stand with the people of Ukraine.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton called for a Holyrood debate on the Ukraine crisis and potential sanctions against “dirty Russian money”, and urged the Scottish Government to gear up for taking Ukrainian refugees.

He said: “Ukrainian sovereignty is under threat, and we have a duty to do what we can to show our support. 

"I urge the First Minister to clearly state that Ukrainian refugees will be welcome in Scotland, and that we will not abandon them, and to reassure the Ukrainian diaspora in Scotland that we are doing everything in this Government’s power to help their loved ones. 

“She should review the New Scot strategy to ensure that mechanisms are in place to support people fleeting this conflict."

He added: “With the UK Government introducing limited sanctions against Putin's cronies, we must also consider what measures Scotland could take to drive out dirty Russian money. Putin has made a terrible decision; we must ensure he pays a terrible price.

"Finally ministers should immediately schedule a parliamentary debate to give parliamentarians a chance to discuss what additional measures should be on the table.

"Since 1989 Kiev and Edinburgh have been twin cities. In their hour of need, let's give that relationship a real meaning."

MSP Ross Greer said: “The Russian Federation has violated international law in Ukraine for nearly eight years now, but this latest escalation of their invasion demands a robust international response until they withdraw their forces.

“Ukraine is a sovereign democratic nation and the people of that country have the right to determine their own future. It is utterly unacceptable for Russia to seek to undermine that sovereignty by force.

“The UK Government must exhaust all efforts in the pursuit of a peaceful outcome. That should include severe and targeted sanctions which focus on Putin’s regime and his associates whilst minimising the harm caused to ordinary Russians.

“The most effective way of doing this, and of demonstrating our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, would be a long overdue crackdown on money-laundering and asset-hoarding in the City of London. Russian elites are steeped in this activity, so a crackdown would certainly grab their attention.”