To show support for Ukraine and commemorate the one-year mark since the beginning of the invasion of the Russian Federation, the Riga Municipality has installed special decorations in the city and will illuminate the City Hall, the Congress House and the Freedom Monument in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
Since 19 February, posters in the colours of the Ukrainian flag with the message "Together for Ukraine's Victory!" have decorated the city's poster stands and signs.
To commemorate the beginning of the Russian attack, the Freedom Monument will be illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag from 5 p.m. on 24 February. On 24 and 25 February, the facade of Riga City Hall and the Congress House opposite the Embassy of the Russian Federation will also be illuminated in Ukrainian colours.
A trolleybus in the colours of the Ukrainian flag will start operating on the city streets on 24 February. For a year now, the doors of Riga's public transport have been decorated with Ukrainian flag stickers, which are regularly replaced. Ukrainian flags have also been displayed outside municipal offices for the past year as well.
Chairman of the Riga City Council Mārtiņš Staķis: "Since 24 February last year, both the Riga Municipality and the residents of Riga have relentlessly helped Ukraine and Ukrainians who have chosen Riga as their refuge. In Riga, too, the Ukrainian flag has become a symbol of persistent fight for one's existence, admirable courage and indomitable spirit. By illuminating the facades of buildings in Riga and displaying the colours of the Ukrainian flag on posters in Riga, we reaffirm Riga's continued support and commitment to help Ukraine win. I invite the residents of Riga to join in placing Ukrainian flags in their houses and apartment windows and to continue to support Ukrainians in their fight for the future of their country."
More than 20 000 Ukrainian civilians have arrived in Riga since 24 February 2022. The Riga Support Centre for the Residents of Ukraine, which opened its doors on 7 March last year, has provided various forms of support and services to around 40 000 Ukrainians who have chosen Latvia as their refuge.
Information prepared by: Edīte Matuseviča, Project Coordinator at the External Communications Department of the Riga City Council’s Communications Board, e-mail: edite.matusevica@riga.lv