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“Today, a new iron curtain has descended between Russia and the free world, but the entire world knows that the purest iron curtain can be found in Ukraine. It is made of blooded and battle tested iron. It is forged from steel hardened in battles. It is a steel barrier that protects the world from a predatory, wild beast. Our duty, our responsibility, is to provide support for Ukraine as strong as steel. In Latvia and internationally. In words and in deeds. Morally and practically," said the Speaker of the Saeima, Edvards Smiltēns, on Friday, February 24, at the extraordinary sitting of the Saeima, marking one year since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Speaker of the Saeima noted that Russia deliberately tries to repeat history, and Russia’s imperialism is still alive — equally devastating, cruel and bloody. “Unfortunately, Europe has spent recent decades stubbornly clinging to wishful thinking that security in Europe cannot be achieved without Russia. Today, Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Warsaw strongly and unequivocally emphasise that Ukraine’s victory is the only way to restore security on the European continent. Security in Europe cannot be achieved without Ukraine!” said E.Smiltēns.

The Speaker of the Saeima noted that the Latvian Parliament had done a lot to support Ukraine and its people, as well as to strengthen our security, often demonstrating the courage and leadership needed to reinforce the support for Ukraine at the European level. “This has been possible because it accurately reflects the convictions and values of our people. Our people’s strong stance on the side of justice and freedom. We can safely and confidently say that Latvia’s political, military, financial, humanitarian and human support will continue. No matter how much it costs and no matter how long it takes,” stressed E.Smiltēns.

“Ukraine’s security is our security, Ukraine’s freedom is our freedom, and Ukraine’s victory is our victory. Glory to Ukraine! May Latvia live forever!” concluded the Speaker of the Saeima.

Members of the Saeima were also addressed remotely by the Speaker of the Parliament of Ukraine (Verkhovna Rada) Ruslan Stefanchuk, expressing his gratitude for the support from Latvia and its people, noting that Ukraine is currently facing not only great sorrow, but also the support from real friends. We are holding on, we are not giving up, we will win, because we are on the right side of the history, underlined the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament.

R.Stefanchuk particularly noted the decisions taken by the Latvian state in support of Ukraine, as well as the military, humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation facilities for Ukrainian soldiers in Latvia. We highly appreciate your strong support for Ukraine’s membership of the European Union and NATO and the work you are doing to convince the European partners that Ukraine must join the European Union as soon as possible. Granting Ukraine the status of a candidate country of the European Union is our common victory, emphasised the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament.

The extraordinary sitting also featured addresses by the President of Latvia Egils Levits and Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš.

Saeima Press Service