Latvia must find new ways to support Ukraine - prime minister

RIGA - Latvia must find new ways to support Ukraine, Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) told reporters on Tuesday after a visit to the Occupation of Latvia Museum where she lit candles in memory of the fallen Ukrainian fighters.

The war in Ukraine, which has been going on for 1,000 days, has also been a test for the people of Latvia as Latvia had supported Ukraine since the first day of the war and before that as well, said Silina.

"We remember very well the historical period in which we have also lived, and we know what it means to live next to Russia," said the prime minister.

"We have always said that we need to listen to what Ukraine has to say," so that Ukraine could be better supported, said Silina.

She admitted that this had been a personally difficult political time for her, as she had to stand for Ukraine's interests, and not everyone was willing to talk about Ukraine at a given moment.

At the same time, Siliņa pointed out that the Baltic countries were politically active partners for Ukraine. "We do not need a lot of explanations so that we can convince others what it means to have a foreign power invading your country, what it means to have the children of your country stolen, (...) the invaders trying to influence everything that happens in your country - freedom, democracy, sovereignty," the prime minister said.

Silina said that 1,000 days of war is a lot. "We need to find a new way to support Ukraine," she said, adding that the fact that the people of Latvia observed a moment of silence today in memory of the people killed in Ukraine showed that Latvia had Ukraine in its thoughts.

Silina thanked the people of Latvia, all those who had supported Ukraine, those who were donating, and those who had Ukraine in their thoughts.

As reported, November 19 sees 1,000 days since Russia began the war of aggression against Ukraine.