Since 2014, Russia has been attempting to destroy Ukraine, its freedom, and its right to exist as a sovereign nation. On 24 February 2022, the aggression escalated into a brutal full-scale war that has now been ruthlessly grinding Ukrainian lives for four full years. Day after day, Russia continues to kill Ukrainian civilians, destroy towns and villages, and attempt to wipe out everything the freedom-loving Ukrainian people have built and defended.
Despite this cruelty, the heroic people of Ukraine continue to fight selflessly for their homeland and the future of their country, demonstrating their unbreakable spirit and determination. This battle carries a dreadful and tragic price.
This war is not just about territory. It is about the right of people to live in a free and independent country, about European security, and about our collective future.
Latvia is and will remain side by side with Ukraine. We continue to support Ukraine and its heroic people as they fight for independence, for their homeland, and the fundamental values we all cherish – freedom, self-determination, and human dignity. We also call for a just and lasting peace that is acceptable to the people of Ukraine.
In solidarity with Ukraine, the President of Latvia, the Speaker of the Saeima, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs call on all people of Latvia, at 9 a.m. on 24 February 2026, to cease their daily endeavours and stand united in a moment of silence commemorating and honouring the sacrifices borne by the Ukrainian people and their resilience in the struggle against the aggressor.
Let us also commemorate Latvian volunteers – Vitālijs Smirnovs, Edgars Platonovs, and Ņikita Sļadzevskis – who gave their lives in the fight against the Russian invader army in eastern Ukraine, as they defended Ukrainian freedom while being aware that they are also defending the freedom of Latvia and Europe as a whole. Their courage and self-sacrifice are part of our shared story of freedom.
For free and independent Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to its defenders!