During the Christmas season, everyone should reflect on what more they can do to help others, said Elmārs Pļaviņš, Senior Expert on International Military–Religious Cooperation at the National Armed Forces of Latvia, in an interview on TV3’s morning programme 900 sekundes.
Pļaviņš explained that both soldiers and civilians in Ukraine are, first and foremost, deeply exhausted by constant missile attacks, electricity outages, and the lack of things that people elsewhere take for granted in everyday life. Second, they live with the constant presence of death. Third, they endure ongoing uncertainty and psychological stress.
Despite this, Ukrainian soldiers remain determined to fight and refuse to give up even a single piece of their land, Pļaviņš emphasized.
The NBS expert noted that while he provides encouragement and spiritual support during his time in Ukraine, it is often the soldiers themselves who offer the greatest encouragement in return.
“They say: Don’t get sad — right now we are fighting for you as well,”
Pļaviņš recalled.
He has observed that Ukrainian society has become far more united and cohesive as a nation.
This Christmas, Pļaviņš urged everyone to think about what more they can do to help others. “Each of us has talents and abilities that can be used to help someone,” he said, stressing that support is not always material — sometimes it is a kind word, presence, or simply saying thank you.
He also wished that people would take time to pause, calm down, forgive their enemies, and “conduct a small self-review,” so they can move forward into the new year with renewed strength and inspiration.
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