Riga has announced that this week it will celebrate Ukraine Week with a variety of events to show support to the sovereignty of Ukraine and its integration into Europe.
Ukraine Week was opened on February 14 with a meeting between the Chairman of the Riga City Council Martins Stakis, the Deputy Mayor Edvards Smiltens and the Ambassador of Ukraine Oleksandr Mischenko. After the meeting, the Ukrainian flag was raised at the Riga City Council building. In the evening the Town Hall was illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian national flag.
During the meeting, the officials discussed the support necessary for Ukraine during these uncertain times. The Ambassador emphasized that many families had already lost husbands and fathers - children suffer the most from the current situation. Therefore, children in particular are in need of support, and it is necessary to show them that a life without war is possible. All parties agreed upon creating a support mechanism for children whose parents lost their lives while fighting for the independence of Ukraine.
The Mayor of Riga, Martins Stakis emphasized “The people of Ukraine have the right to shape their own future – today and always. During this week we want to emphasize Riga’s friendship and unwavering support for our Ukranian friends. I am also pleased that we have already been able to start a dialogue about practical help that Riga can offer to Ukraine and especially the children of Ukraine. We plan to agree on the specific actions soon.”
“Today with the raising of the Ukranian flag by the Town Hall we start the Ukraine Week in Riga and express our sympathy and solidarity. During these fearful days the people in Ukraine need our support. I know that people of Riga care and therefore I invite everyone to support peace and the rights of countries and people to decide their own fates,” Deputy Mayor Edvards Smiltens pointed out.
Ukraine Week continues on Tuesday, February 15, with the service “Prayer for Ukraine” at the Dome Church at 7 pm. On Wednesday, February 16, at 8:15 am City Council management will visit Riga Ukranian High School and open the campaign “Children Drawing the Future of Ukraine”.
On Thursday, February 17, at 12.15 pm the event “Flag for the peace in Ukraine” will take place in the square by the Freedom Monument. On Saturday, February 20, from 12 pm to 6 pm, candles will be lit in the yard of the Ukranian Embassy, 3 Kalpaka bulvaris.
This month marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Latvia. Together with Latvia, Riga unwaveringly supports the sovereignty of Ukraine and its integration into Europe.
Through announcing “Ukraine Week”, Riga shows its solidarity and sends a signal to the people of Ukraine and the world, that Ukraine is not alone in its fight to defend is independence.
