Latvia
‘This is the biggest thing that all Latvians wait for’: Summer solstice festivities begin in Latvia
Midsummer, or the summer solstice, is a day of great celebration in many countries throughout the globe. For many people in northern Europe – in the Scandinavian countries, and the Baltics – midsummer is one of the most beloved holidays. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports from Riga, the Latvian capital, about how people there are celebrating the longest day of the year.
Ukrainians at the Russia-Latvia border
For over a year now, the front line in the war between Russia and Ukraine hasn’t moved very much. Russia still occupies about 18% of Ukrainian territory. For Ukrainians living under Russian occupation, security and safety is a major concern. So, many Ukrainians have chosen to flee.
‘I’m feeling free’: Families from Ukraine find respite from war in Latvia
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year, many countries stepped up their humanitarian aid efforts to help Ukrainian families. In Latvia, the Children’s Hospital Foundation has been offering therapeutic care for Ukrainian children and their families.
As war rages on in Ukraine, some ethnic Russians in Latvia say they feel marginalized
Ethnic Russians have been living in Latvia for decades. But with public opinion turning sharply against Russia since the war in Ukraine began, some say they are increasingly worried about their place in Latvian society.