Freedom Monument and municipal buildings to be lit up in color of Ukrainian flag on one-year anniversary of Russian invasion

RIGA - Expressing support for Ukraine and marking the one-year anniversary since Russia launched its bloody war against its neighbor, the Riga Municipality will light up City Hall, the Congress Building and the Freedom Monument in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, LETA was informed by the Communications Department of the Riga City Council.

Billboards in the city will also be set-up with posters in the colors of the Ukrainian flag with the message - Together for Ukraine's victory!.

In commemoration of the beginning of the Russian attack, on February 24, from 5 p.m., the Freedom Monument will be illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Also, on February 24 and 25, the facade of the Riga City Hall, as well as the Congress Building opposite the Embassy of the Russian Federation, will be illuminated in the colors of Ukraine.

From February 24, a trolleybus decorated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag will start running on the streets of the city. For a year now, the doors of Riga's public transport have been decorated with Ukrainian flag stickers, which are regularly replaced. Also, Ukrainian flags have been hanging at municipal institutions for the past year as well.

"Since February 24 of last year, both the municipality of Riga and the people of Riga have tirelessly helped Ukraine and the Ukrainians who have chosen Riga as their place refuge. The Ukrainian flag in Riga has also become a symbol of persistent struggle for its existence, amazing courage and unbreakable spirit. Illuminating the buildings of Riga and by placing the colors of the Ukrainian flag on Riga's poster poles, we are once again expressing Riga's continuous support and readiness to help Ukraine win. I invite Riga residents to join us, place Ukrainian flags on their homes and in the windows of their apartments, and continue to support Ukrainians in the fight for the future of their country," said Riga Mayor Martins Stakis.

More than 20,000 Ukrainian civilians have arrived in Riga since February 24, 2022. At the Riga Support Center for Ukrainian Civilians, which opened its doors last year on March 7, various types of assistance and services have already been provided to around 40,000 Ukrainians who have chosen Latvia as their country of refuge.