Hundreds join sunflower march in Riga to support Ukraine

Hundreds of people carrying sunflowers joined the Sunflower Way march in Riga on Monday to show support for Ukrainians fighting Russian aggression on Ukraine’s Independence Day, LSM reported.

The full-scale war in Ukraine has continued into its fifth year, and this was the fifth time the march had been held in Riga. It was organised by the Tavi draugi association together with the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia.

“The aim of the march is to show that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian brothers, sisters and friends. We continue to support Ukraine and Ukrainians. This solidarity will remain unchanged until the very end,” Tavi draugi founder Uldis Noviks told Latvian Radio.

The march began at the Freedom Monument and ended at the Taras Shevchenko monument in Kronvalda Park. Participants were encouraged to bring sunflowers and use Ukrainian and Latvian symbols.

A Tavi draugi Ukrainian souvenirs and donation point also operated in Freedom Square throughout the day. People could donate items needed by Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, including sweets, nuts, dried fruit, ready-to-eat food and other goods. Noviks said coffee and sweets were particularly popular among Ukrainian soldiers.

LSM and the Ziedot.lv charity are also collecting donations from August 17 to September 13 to provide comprehensive rehabilitation for Ukrainian soldiers. Donations can be made by calling 90204113, at a cost of five euros including value-added tax, or online through Ziedot.lv.