On Monday the 24th of February, more than 500 people gathered in Riga, near the Freedom Monument, at the special support act “Together until victory!” in order to demonstrate their solidarity to Ukraine on the third anniversary of the start of Russia’s war, as reported by LETA.
People came to the Freedom Monument carrying Ukrainian and Latvian flags, blue and yellow ribbons, home-made posters, and yellow flowers, which were later left at the monument.
People had Ukrainian flags attached to their clothes. Posters were also issued to the attendees by the organisers of this event. These posters said – “Together until victory!”, “We tire out, we won’t stay silent, we won’t forget!”, “Putin is a murderer”, “Heart weeps for Ukraine”.
At the beginning of the event at 09:00, a moment of silence was held to commemorate the victims of the war in Ukraine. In honour of Latvia’s and Ukraine’s freedom, attendees sang the anthems of the two countries.
Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, “Twitter convoy” or “Agendum” association manager Laura Pliča-Stankeviča addressed the people at the event with a speech. Emārs Plaviņš, Senior Expert of the National Armed Forces on international military-religious cooperation, writer, publicist and public figure Marina Kosteņecka, journalists Gints Amoliņš and Ieva Vārna gave video speeches.
In her address, Mieriņa said that no one doubts that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, obsessed with the ideas of imperialism, is the one who caused this war.
“The people of Latvia are with Ukraine, we help, we will continue helping for as long as necessary. It is important to us that we are all united and that we can overcome this evil and show the world that evil has no place in our society,” said Mieriņa.
In turn, the Prime Minister spoke about Ukraine, its people, soldiers currently fighting on the frontline in Ukraine, Ukrainian women, children, seniors who have experienced the horrors of war. The Prime Minister also said that she rings a bell to everyone who supports Ukraine and has not given up.
Siliņa indicated that she really wants peace in Ukraine. She said she believed that sovereignty is possible in Ukraine and justice will be restored.
“I know that together, by supporting Ukraine, we can all defeat evil,” said the Latvian PM, adding that she believes and does her utmost to support Ukraine and achieve a just peace together with her European colleagues.
“I believe that Ukraine’s path to NATO is irreversible, because together in NATO we stand side by side,” said the Latvian PM.
The Prime Minister said that Latvia and Ukraine share a common past, a different present at the moment, but she believes that both countries have a common and united future. “No child should have to go through the horrors of war, and it is all our responsibility to make sure that these children can return to a restored, free, democratic, sovereign Ukraine. Therefore, as Latvia, Latvian politicians, Latvian society will continue to support Ukraine,” stressed Siliņa, thanks to all the non-governmental organizations, residents, society, diplomats, teachers, activists who have supported Ukraine and continue to do so, and believe in its victory.
Latvian Prime Minister emphasized that it is not necessary to put up with the fact that a foreign country may invade the territory of another country without receiving a fair punishment. “Therefore, we must continue to be united, because together we have a much greater power – together as Europe, together as NATO, together as Latvian society,” said Siliņa.
The event was attended by the ensemble “Dvichata.ua”, Ukrainian children from the association “Mākslas laboratorija”, which performed songs in both Ukrainian and Latvian, bell ensemble “Primuss”, actor Artūrs Čukurs, as well as musician Rihards Saule.
LETA reports many Saeima deputies and ministers were present at the event.
“Tavi draugi” charity organisation will have a stall open at the monument to collect donations, “Miera vēstules” postcard workshop, as well as Latvian and Ukrainian souvenir stalls will remain open at the Freedom Monument throughout the day.
Russia commenced its invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022.