A diplomat has been honoured by Edinburgh Napier University for his major role in the resettling of displaced Ukrainian people in Scotland.
Andrii Kuslii led the Ukrainian Consulate in Edinburgh for several years, and offered support to authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland to ensure the safety and integration of citizens forced to flee the Russian invasion.
Andrii grew up in Odessa and entered diplomatic service after graduating from university, working in Ukraine and London. He would go on to serve in Edinburgh and Ukraine, where he took on a post in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Following Russia’s invasion in 2022, more than 25,000 Ukrainians sought sanctuary in Scotland, with Andrii working alongside Scottish local authorities to provide guidance and support to those arriving. He also offered support as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme where refugees were given assistance around the application process, visa requirements and sponsorship rules. 
As well as assisting Ukrainians in Scotland, Andrii offered advice to the Scottish government on the provision of both humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Ukraine.
Andrii was formally made a Doctor of the University during a graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.
Reacting to his honorary graduation, Andrii Kuslii said: “Receiving this honorary doctorate is a tremendous honour and something I never imagined when I first came to Scotland more than a decade ago.
“Over the years, I have been privileged to serve Ukraine and to work with many wonderful people and organisations in strengthening the friendship between Scotland and Ukraine.
“During some of the most difficult moments following Russia’s full-scale invasion, I was also able to support many thousands of Ukrainians who sought safety, assistance and a new start in Scotland.
“This recognition means a great deal to me personally, but I also see it as a reflection of the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the remarkable support that Scotland has shown to Ukraine.
“I am deeply grateful to Edinburgh Napier University for this honour and for its continued support of Ukraine and displaced Ukrainians.”
Presenting Andrii with his doctorate, Professor David McGuire, from The Business School at ENU, said: “Andrii’s commitment, energy and dedication to representing the interests of Ukrainian people in Scotland and Northern Ireland has been instrumental to the successful integration of Ukrainian refugees.
“He has been strongly supported in this work by his wife Alla and the Kuslii family who have often shared Andrii when he has been called upon to be spokesperson for Ukraine in Scotland and to promote the wider interests of the Ukrainian people.
“Andrii’s work has been crucial in helping thousands of displaced Ukrainians to rebuild their lives in Scotland and Northern Ireland and his work has helped to shape their stories and futures.”