Scottish medical supplies being sent to Ukraine

Scotland is to send more than 500,000 pieces of medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine.

The items being donated by NHS Scotland, which include hypodermic needles and oxygen masks, are valued at about £2.9m.

The first shipment, including wound dressings and bandages, is set to be transported via Poland on Thursday.

The medical aid is in addition to £4m of humanitarian assistance announced by the Scottish government on Monday.

Russia has been intensifying its attacks on key Ukrainian cities, with fighting raging for a seventh day in the north, east and south.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Scotland stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and we are ready to provide whatever support we can in their hour of need.

"The Ukrainian government has requested critical medical assistance and I am proud of our NHS and all those who have worked tirelessly in recent days to make this initial consignment possible. We will deliver the rest of the supplies as quickly as we can."

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "I am pleased that the first NHS Scotland medical supplies will be reaching those in need as part of a UK government shipment from Stansted to Poland tomorrow.

"In the light of an unfolding European tragedy, we are standing shoulder to shoulder to oppose Putin's actions and support the heroic people of Ukraine."