On Thursday, the 23rd of February, the State Chancellery released a statement from the Cabinet of Ministers that states how the country will continue supporting Ukraine until its victory in the war against Russia.
In this statement PM Krišjānis Kariņš, stressing this commitment from Latvia, comments: «Tomorrow, the 24th of February, will mark one year since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We can see that this war has united the entire Western world, European Union and NATO in support for Ukraine.
Latvia is one of the countries that has provided the biggest support for Ukraine, which exceeds 1% of the country’s GDP.
Our society has provided a great deal of support to the Ukrainian people. We will continue supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary.»
[Latvia’s GDP increased by 1.8% in 2022, reaching EUR 40.5 billion – BNN.]
The statement from the government stresses that «Latvia has created an example for other Western democracies – the humanitarian, economic and military support provided by our country to Ukraine and Ukrainians has been proportionally one of the largest. Both the government, non-government sector and society have all been involved in it.»
By providing the vehicles and equipment necessary for the defence of Ukraine – such as UAVs, helicopters, howitzers, generators, off-road vehicles and others – Latvia’s state and society have diverted more than EUR 380 million towards this since February 2022.
Humanitarian aid is provided as well. Involvement of society has been especially important in this. Residents donate money, various products and cars. Residents also provide shelter in their households. The government has also organised deliveries of medical equipment and medicines, buses and generators, to Ukrainian troops and civilians. Other support worth EUR 3 million has been provided as well.
Aid is provided in Latvia as well. Ukrainian war refugees arriving in Latvia are provided with state-paid accommodation. Additionally, Ukrainian civilians that have arrived are provided with food, hygiene and household product packages. Refugees can also apply for a guaranteed minimal income benefit, employment or self-employment benefits in various municipalities. Other measures to help Ukrainian residents stay in Latvia are implemented as well, including educational and professional activities.
[The section of the website of Latvia’s Cabinet of Ministers dedicated for the support of Ukraine reports that starting with the 1st of January 2023, Ukrainian civilians who apply for temporary protected status in the Republic of Latvia will be issued with appropriate documents for a two-year term.
The temporary protected status provided to Ukrainian refugees in the Republic of Latvia before the 31st of December 2022 will remain valid until the 4th of March 2024.]
The statement concludes with words of gratitude from the government to Latvia’s residents who understand the importance of this topic and who remain active in supporting Ukraine.
Also read: Latvia sends Ukraine first shipment of military equipment acquired using public donations