Hundreds join "Sunflower Path" solidarity march in Riga for Ukraine

For the fifth year running, Riga hosted the "Sunflower Path" march on Ukraine's Independence Day, an event that has become a recognizable symbol of solidarity with the war-torn country. Hundreds of residents carrying sunflowers walked from the Freedom Monument to Kronvalda Park, where they laid flowers at the monument to Ukrainian poet and artist Taras Shevchenko.

Many participants were of Ukrainian origin and used the occasion to thank Latvia and its people for their support since the war began. One participant said being present that day mattered deeply to her because Ukraine holds a special place in her heart, and she expressed gratitude to the people of Latvia for their help.

Organizers undeterred after arson attack

The march was organized by the association "Tavi Draugi," whose headquarters was damaged last month in a deliberately set fire. A representative of the organization said the incident had not stopped their work, but rather confirmed that what they do matters and is needed.

Mood in Kyiv and international support

In Ukraine, Independence Day was marked with mixed emotions — pride in the country's resilience through years of war, alongside grief for fallen soldiers and civilians killed in Russian attacks. European leaders traveled to Kyiv for the occasion to reaffirm continued military and humanitarian support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the international community to remain united and keep up pressure on Russia, stressing that Ukraine would continue to defend its freedom.

A solidarity event also took place in Washington, where participants appealed to U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, to allow Ukraine to produce its own Patriot air-defense missiles, stressing that Ukraine can no longer afford to wait given the importance of air defense for saving lives.