On 5 March, President of Latvia Egils Levits took part in a support rally ‘We stand with Ukraine! Together against Putin!’ in Riga. In his address to those gathered, President Levits urged Latvians to remain united and continue to support Ukraine.
President Levits’ message
Ten days ago, the first shots fired by Russia in Ukraine marked the beginning of the end for the Putin’s regime. Ukraine fights back bravely. Putin may kill Ukrainians, but he will never win their hearts.
We, Latvians, have never underestimated Russia’s true aggressive nature, its ideologies, and Putin’s regime. This is the moment of awakening for the West and the rest of the world. West has now rushed to Ukraine’s side. Ukraine has consolidated us all.
Only 4 out of 193 countries in the UN voted for Russia in a vote condemning its actions. They were Belarus, Eritrea, Assad’s Syria and North Korea. The only remaining friends of Putin.
Latvia is also providing all possible assistance to Ukraine. We have offered our political and diplomatic support; we provide Ukraine our military assistance in the form of weapons and equipment that Ukrainians can use to defend their homeland.
We proposed to fast-track Ukraine’s accession and grant it EU candidate country status. Latvia has also signed Ukraine’s claim against Russia in the International Court of Justice in Hague. Latvia continues to tirelessly negotiate all kinds of additional support from West to Ukraine, day and night. This also applies to statements made by President Zelenskyy in the past two days. We support all alternatives! Absolutely all!
Putin’s regime has united Ukrainian people like never before. Putin’s regime has also united Latvians fighting for support to Ukraine. Latvians of all ethnic backgrounds, irrespective of their home language, stand with Ukraine today. Those things are irrelevant right now. What matters is that we are all loyal to Latvia, we all have sense of honesty, we know what fair means and know the rights. We know that nation’s right of self-determination is sacrosanct.
As for those remaining few here in Latvia and elsewhere who fail to see through the veil of Russian propaganda, let us calmly explain them what is really happening. We must remain united. Latvian people must be united. That is what counts most right now.
If you have eyes, ears and a heart, you will know the devil’s face.
Glory to Ukraine!
