The appeal of the Speaker of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Edvards Smiltens in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
Dear Mr. Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, dear deputies! Heroic people of Ukraine, dear Ukrainians!
It is a great honour for me to address you today on behalf of the Saeima of Latvia. For all Latvian people in this difficult time, when Ukraine is fighting for the entire civilized world, which is opposing russian aggression, we, Latvians, are with you.
Already on February 14 last year at 12 o’clock I had the honour to participate in the raising of the Flag of Ukraine in Riga, which was the beginning of the Week of Support for Ukraine. The next morning the flags of Ukraine were flying all over Latvia. For us, the war began in 2014, and we have been supporting you continuously since then.
Dear Ukrainians! With your heroism, you have accomplished the impossible – a true revival, both on the battlefield and by sending such a powerful impetus of courage and determination that it reached every corner of the free world, reached the hearts of billions of people. It has dispelled the fog of illusion and brought about an unprecedented wave of solidarity and cooperation of people, and reminded our peoples of the most valuable, the most important thing: our freedom, independence and democracy.
In the struggle for these values, you have defined a clear front line, opposing the greatest evil that has erupted in the XXI century – putin’s russia. A regime that is saturated to the core with Nazism and evil, that is incapable of standing for anything else but destroying, robbing, killing, raping and enslaving. A regime that has apparently turned into a terrorist organization, which excitedly blows up crowded railway stations, shops, residential buildings on an industrial scale.
This strength of yours has allowed us at home to do what has been postponed for years, and to make great strides away from the imperialist influence of our neighbour, from the dark burden of the past, and to eliminate the symbols of occupation, gaining true freedom and allowing us to unite in support of Ukraine. Therefore, I especially want to emphasize the extremely broad solidarity and involvement of our people.
On February 23, at 5 p.m., the day before the full-scale russian invasion, you received the first shipment of military aid from Latvia – Stingers, which became crucial for the defence of Kyiv. According to the calculations of annual gross product, today we are among the world leaders in providing military assistance. Since the beginning of the russian military aggression, the people of Latvia have donated millions of euros of support, which continue to come now.
Dear friends, our people are proud to help you both here and by trying to create a sense of home for those Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes and find shelter on our land because of the war. That is why I am addressing you in Ukrainian. I am addressing you in Ukrainian as a sign of respect for your nation and language, as well as for those Ukrainians who have been studying Latvian from the very first days in Latvia and who are already addressing me as “Labdien”, which means “Good afternoon!”.
Latvia firmly supports the international isolation of russia, strengthening of sanctions and bringing russia to justice. It is absolutely necessary to define legal limits for punishment of russian war criminals, confiscation and use of frozen funds of russian oligarchs in the reconstruction of Ukraine. It is absolutely necessary to prevent russia from restoring its military capabilities, to prevent the repetition of history and new aggression.
In July, Latvia became the first state to apply to the International Court of Justice to become a third party in the Ukraine vs. russia case. We are among those who strongly support the idea of establishing a tribunal for russian aggression. The President of Latvia Egils Levits proposed to hold it in Riga. Evil cannot go unpunished.
On August 11 last year, the Latvian Saeima recognized russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
We consistently support Ukraine’s integration into the EU and NATO. We have no doubt that Ukraine belongs to the Alliance of Euro-Atlantic countries.
Latvia will continue to provide political, military, financial, humanitarian and support to the people of Ukraine, no matter how long it takes or how much it costs. We and our partners with one clear and resolute voice say: “We will not get tired!”
I would like to reiterate Latvia’s full support and solidarity with Ukraine and its people. This support is unwavering. I know that the flag of an independent and prosperous Ukraine, which has already become a global symbol of freedom and courage, will fly alongside the flags of European countries.
Dear Ukrainians, you have already earned your place in Europe, which will be free, strong, united, safe and prosperous thanks to you. Dear Ukrainian friends, we will help you with everything we can. Latvia is with Ukraine, and together we will win for freedom, independence and democracy.
Glory to Ukraine!