Donors give Ukrainian soldiers’ children summer camps in Latvia

Twenty two children of soldiers serving in Ukraine’s largest artillery brigade are spending the summer in Latvia, LSM reports. Their fathers are defending Ukraine and Latvia’s freedom in the Donetsk region.

Five summer camps for Ukrainian children affected by the war have been held this year with support raised through the Ziedot.lv charity. The camps have received a total of 116,000 euros.

The children have enjoyed walks in nature, clear seawater and days without air raid alarms. Sofia, Lina and Arina from Donbas are also learning Latvian with enthusiasm.

“I really like that there is a lot of greenery here and that people are very friendly. There are many nice places to walk and breathe fresh air. Your sea is very clean, with nice waves,” Arina Yarošinska said.

“I liked many things. There are beautiful trees here, the air is fresh and the sea is very beautiful. It is so clear that you can see the stones,” Lina Semeņuka said.

Sofia Križeņivska said she especially liked Latvia’s nature, cleanliness, friendly people and excursions. Maksims said he appreciated the kindness of the people, the walks and swimming in the sea.

War journalist and camp organiser Ieva Vārna said 22 children from the artillery brigade had arrived in Latvia. “All their fathers are defending Ukrainian land in the Donetsk region. We wanted to give them at least one week under peaceful skies,” she said.

Ziedot.lv said each donation gives the children not only a peaceful environment for at least one week a year, but also lasting memories.