If you don’t mind sharing — what is your reason for supporting #Ukraine 🇺🇦?

For me — living in #Latvia (one of the three #Baltic countries) — there are several. (1/7)

1. History — we have experienced living under Russian / Soviet occupation in our history and we know full well what that means… During and after WWII, Russians forcefully deported tens of thousands of the smartest, most capable and hard-working Latvians to Siberia where many died or remained forever. During Soviet occupation years that followed we were not allowed to sing our national anthem, fly our flag or move freely around the world. (2/7)

We were forced to participate in marches where we had to proclaim how much we loved Lenin and the communist party. Ukraine has to remain free and independent! (3/7)

2. Self interest — we know that Ukraine fights for our freedom too. Who else would stop the onslaught of Russian occupants? Would Putin stop after conquering Ukraine? We just have to check history to see what likely would follow… Therefore, we want to ensure Ukraine wins 💪🏻 It also breaks my heart to see all those good soldiers and families lost… I wish West / the free world supported Ukraine even more. (4/7)

So more kids could keep their fathers and mothers 🙏🏻 It is a debt we can really never repay to Ukraine… But we can do more. We have to! (5/7)

3. Personal connection — I have a number of very close Ukrainian friends and have lived in Kyiv for several years. I love that city and the friendly Ukrainian people. Kyiv has a very special atmosphere that I have not really seen anywhere else in the world — especially when all the chestnut trees bloom in May 🤍 Please - when this invasion is over - make a note for yourself to travel there and see it for yourself ☺️… (6/7)