In February 2022, when Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Latvian businesspeople came together to take action. Since then, together with donors, volunteers and partners, we have delivered aid worth more than 23 million euros to Ukraine – comprising over 1,300 vehicles, 1,000 drones, 300 generators and a great deal of other equipment needed both on the front line and by civilians.

However, the true value of this work cannot be measured solely in figures. It is the people for whom this assistance has provided the opportunity to survive, to rescue their comrades, to continue defending their country, or to return to their families.

This award is a tribute to all Latvian businesspeople, donors and volunteers who have stood by Ukraine since the very first days of the war. We have achieved so much together, but we have now reached one of the toughest and most decisive stages of the war. It is understandable that we are feeling weary, but we must not stop. Ukrainian soldiers continue to fight every day, and it is our duty to keep helping them. We have fought side by side for so long, and now we must all stand together until Ukraine’s victory.

Long-term and direct cooperation with Ukrainian soldiers plays a particularly important role in the Foundation’s work. We regularly travel to Ukraine, meet with units and listen to what they need. At present, one of the most important priorities is the evacuation of the wounded – transport and ground drones that help to remove the wounded from the battlefield, whilst minimising the risk to rescuers. This year’s charity concert and the “Take Me Away!” campaign have raised 1.45 million euros for this cause.

Special respect and gratitude also go to microsurgeon Olaf Liberman, who has been working in Ukraine since 2022, operating on seriously wounded soldiers and training Ukrainian doctors. He was unable to attend today’s ceremony in Riga as he is continuing his work in Ukraine. His address was shown in a video recording.

The Order of Saint Panteleimon is a Ukrainian honour awarded for outstanding contributions to medicine, saving lives and providing assistance. The ceremony in Riga was organised by the Order’s Foreign Council in Latvia and the Ukrainian Embassy in Latvia, with the support of AS “Latvijas Finieris”.

We accept this award with gratitude, but also with a deep sense of responsibility. The war is not over. The needs on the front line are not diminishing. And right now, it is vital that aid continues.

Thank you to every company, every donor, every volunteer and everyone who has helped to make this work a success. This award is also down to you.

We have stood by Ukraine from day one. And we will continue to do so until victory.

The ceremony was organised by the Foreign Council of the Ukrainian Order of St Panteleimon in Latvia and the Ukrainian Embassy in Latvia, with the support of AS “Latvijas Finieris”.

This honour belongs to everyone who has helped Ukraine. Thank you to Latvian businesses, donors, volunteers and partners for your trust and support!

We’ll keep helping. Until Ukraine’s victory!