In the six months since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Latvia’s nation has become more patriotic, more national and more prepared to defend their country, because now we better understand the price of our freedom, said Latvia’s President Egils Levits in an interview to Latvijas Radio.
He stressed that the six months of war in Ukraine have completely changed the whole world, especially Europe.
Russia failed splitting western society. In fact, the opposite was achieved – both NATO and Europe have become more united. NATO has even got two new members.
The myth about the strength of Russia’s army has fallen apart, and Ukraine has proved a better tactic can bring more accomplishments than technical superiority.
The president added that the war in Ukraine is now routine for society, but this does not mean military aid provided to Ukraine has reduced, neither have these events dropped from news headlines.
Levits said the objective of the west is continuously providing military aid to Ukraine and increasing economic and political pressure on Russia despite heavy reliance on Russian resources.
Commenting on the influence the war in Ukraine has on Latvia, the president said these events have put an end to many issues the resolution of which took a long time. For example, Latvia has decided to fully transition to education only in state language, the role of the state language has been increased, and the country has decided to remove all monuments and memorials associated with Soviet and Nazi occupation.
When asked about the secrecy surrounding the demolition of the Soviet Victory Monument in Victory Park, Latvia’s president said that demolition of this monument needs to be done confidently, but it is also important to avoid provocations.
According to Egils Levits 24 August marks six months since the Russian army commenced an open invasion of Ukraine. It is also the day of independence of Ukraine.