After joining the Ukrainian army, the chairman of Latvian Saeima’s Legal Affairs Committee and representative of Conservative party Juris Jurašs has sent back to the parliament’s chancellery an official notification that he has decided to put down his mandate, as confirmed by the politician.
According to election results, Jurašs’s seat in the parliament should go to Ieva Akuratere. However, so far there is no confirmation as to whether or not she wants to work in the parliament, as confirmed by Conservative party leader, Minister of Justice Jānis Bordāns.
As previously reported, the graduate of Latvian Police Academy and long-time head of Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau Juris Jurašs has joined the Ukrainian army as a volunteer.
As of last week, a total of five Latvian residents have informed authorities of their decision to join the Ukrainian army.
Following Russia’s attack on Ukraine, on 28 February Latvia’s Saeima amended the National Security Law, allowing Latvian citizens to voluntarily join Ukrainian armed forces. Amendments came to force 1 March.
Volunteers who want to join Ukrainian armed forces and become members of its newly-formed International Territorial Defence battalions should turn to Ukraine’s embassy in Latvia.
Once approval has been received from the embassy, volunteers should notify Latvian National Armed Forces Recruitment Office with a letter (Krustabaznīcas iela 9, Rīga, LV-1006) or an e-mail bearing an electronic signature (rpus@mil.lv), with name, surname, personal code, form of service and country of service.
More information is available on the website of the Ukrainian embassy in Latvia.
At the same time, Latvian Ministry of Defence and National Armed Forces urge residents to carefully consider their military skills and knowledge before joining the fight in Ukraine. It is possible to undergo relevant training by joining Latvian armed forces.
National Armed Forces note that active troops and members of the National Guard with an active service contract are not allowed to participate in armed conflicts in foreign countries.
On 24 February Russia attacked Ukraine.
Ukraine’s President Volodimir Zelensky has urged European citizens with combat experience to take up arms and help defend Ukraine against Russia.
Ukrainian Ministry of Defence previously announced the formation of a special unit – Foreign Legion. More than 20 000 of volunteers from 52 countries have expressed an interest at joining it so far.
After joining Ukrainian army, Latvian Saeima member puts down his mandate
