Thousands of people demonstrate support for Ukraine at rally by Freedom Monument

RIGA - Several thousand people gathered by the Freedom Monument in downtown Riga on Friday to demonstrate support for Ukraine on the one-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

Participants of the rally organized by the Civic Alliance - Latvia included both private individuals and representatives of various organizations and political groups. Many had brought Ukrainian flags, posters and other objects with Ukrainian symbols.

The posters featured slogans praising Ukrainians' selfless fight and resilience in the face of Russian aggression. A large Ukrainian national flag, carried by at least ten people, was brought into Freedom Square as well. 

There were also groups of schoolchildren among participants of the rally, which featured speeches and words of encouragement to Ukraine. 

Both state and municipal police were out in force to monitor the event which was taking place peacefully. 

As reported, in the early hours of February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. In response to this act of aggression, Western countries imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia and its close ally Belarus.