Embassy urges silence in Latvia for Ukraine war dead

Ukraine’s Embassy in Latvia has called for a minute of silence on Monday, August 24, to remember Ukrainians and Latvians killed in the war in Ukraine, LSM reported.

The minute of silence will take place at 9 a.m. on Ukraine’s Independence Day. Ukraine observes the day on August 24, marking the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union by the Ukrainian parliament in 1991.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine has been fighting to defend its independence, with the lives of its defenders lost in the war. Several Latvian volunteers have also been killed, including Vitalijs Smirnovs, Edgars Platonovs and Ņikita Sļadzevskis.

In Ukraine, a daily minute of silence for those killed in the war is observed at 9 a.m.

On Monday, the charity organisation Tavi draugi will hold its annual Sunflower Road march in support of Ukraine for the fifth time. Participants are invited to gather at the Freedom Monument in Riga from 5.30 p.m. The march will begin at 6 p.m. and proceed to Kronvalda Park, ending with the laying of flowers at the monument to Taras Shevchenko.

Participants are encouraged to bring sunflowers and use Ukrainian and Latvian symbols. The march is intended to express support and solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

In addition, Tavi draugi will operate a Ukrainian souvenirs and donation point in Freedom Square from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donations of items needed by Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, including sweets, nuts, dried fruit, instant food and other goods, will be accepted.

Latvia’s public service media, in cooperation with Ziedot.lv, is also running the support campaign “Together with Ukraine in thoughts and deeds!” from August 17 to September 13. The campaign aims to provide Ukrainian soldiers with comprehensive rehabilitation.

Donations can be made by calling 90204113, with each call costing 5 euros including value-added tax, or online through Ziedot.lv.