Remembering Former Kirkcudbright Academy Pupil Arkadii Petrov

That the Parliament expresses its deep sadness at the death of former Kirkcudbright Academy pupil, Arkadii Petrov, who was killed while fighting against Russian forces in eastern Ukraine; understands that Arkadii and his family came to Kirkcudbright as refugees following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and that he had recently turned 21; recognises the warm welcome that communities across Galloway have extended to people seeking safety from conflict and what it sees as the important contribution that refugees have made to local life; acknowledges the profound loss felt by Arkadii’s family, friends, classmates, teachers and the wider Kirkcudbright community; offers its sincere condolences to everyone who knew and loved him; remembers all those whose lives have been lost or changed by the conflict in Ukraine; condemns Russia’s continuing invasion of Ukraine, and encourages renewed international efforts to secure a just and lasting peace that protects the freedom, sovereignty and security of the people of Ukraine.