Second year since Russian invasion of Ukraine to be marked with events in Riga in support to Ukraine

RIGA - The second year since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, events in support of Ukraine will be held in Riga on February 24, the external communications department of Riga City Council informed LETA.

A rally "Together to Victory!" will be held at the Freedom Monument on February 24 from 12:30.

The event is organized by the Civic Alliance of Latvia. The organizers of the event stress that solidarity and support must be even stronger as we approach the third year of the full-scale Russian-led war in Ukraine. Latvian and Ukrainian officials and civil society activists will address the participants.

At the same time, candle workshops and donation points will be open at Bastejkalns.

Participants are invited to bring Ukrainian and Latvian flags, wear the colors of the Ukrainian flag, as well as yellow and blue flowers and candles, which can be placed by the Freedom Monument and the Ukrainian Embassy.

To honor Ukraine and commemorate the soldiers fallen in the war, a church service will be held on February 24 at 15:00 at the Riga Dome Church.

On the same day, a charity concert "Together with Ukraine" will be held at the National Library of Latvia at 18:30. Well-known Latvian and Ukrainian singers and musicians will join together in a musical event to express their solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people.

The event will feature performances by the ethno-group Ogas, Ralfs Eilands, Andrejs Osokins, Janis Stibelis, Marija Naumova, Miks Galvanovskis, Karlis Kazaks, Sudden Lights, Intars Busulis and the Abonement Orchestra, Markus Riva, Viktorija Pritulaka and Anastasija Vasilenko.

Revenue from the concert will go to support Ukraine. The beneficiaries will be selected by the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia and the charity organization Ziedot.lv.

There will also be acoustic concert "Stop the War" by Riga Reggae group, which will take place at the cultural center Imanta at 19:00. 

During these days, an audiovisual projection dedicated to the support of Ukraine, created by the internationally renowned Czech light artist Alex Dovis, will be displayed on the facade of the Riga Congress Hall.

Also on February 24, the Riga Monuments Agency will illuminate the Freedom Monument in the colors of the Ukrainian flag from sunset to sunrise. 

On February 24, the Town Hall bells will ring out the song "Prayer for Ukraine" at 9, 12, 15 and 18 instead of their usual ringtones.