Warehouse destroyed in Kyiv strike also held aid supplied by Latvia's Ziedot.lv

A Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv on Thursday, September 17, completely destroyed a warehouse belonging to the charity foundation of Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Latvian Television reported the news, citing images published by the Olena Zelenska Foundation.

Items stored in the warehouse burned in the strike, with generators, household appliances and medical equipment among the destroyed goods. Computers intended for Ukrainian schoolchildren were also found among the charred remains — devices purchased with money donated by Latvian citizens and delivered to Ukraine by the charity organization Ziedot.lv.

Computers seen as essential for education

Rūta Dimanta, head of Ziedot.lv, explained that during air raids Ukrainian children must continue their studies from home or from shelters, and that underground schools already operate in parts of the country. Under these circumstances, computers have become an essential part of the education process.

Dimanta called on the public to further increase support for Ukraine, particularly with winter approaching. She also referenced ongoing discussions in the Latvian parliament (Saeima) regarding a proposed ban on so-called "bloody grain," stressing the need to avoid a situation in which missiles could also strike Latvia. She urged people to donate through the Ziedot.lv portal, suggesting amounts such as 5, 10 or 15 euros, and emphasized the need to pressure Russia and maintain its isolation.

The aid stored in Zelenska's foundation warehouse had been received from partners for distribution to children, families and institutions across various regions of Ukraine. Representatives of the foundation told Latvian Television that plans are already underway to continue operations and reach those in need as quickly as possible.

Ziedot.lv has been accepting donations in support of Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. The funds raised are used every month to purchase practical goods for the needs of Ukraine's army and volunteers.