Liepāja Residents Train for Four Years to Help Ukraine: From Sock Knitting to Drone Piloting

Another Ukraine support event took place in Liepāja, and as usual, our city proved that solidarity can be both heartfelt and creative. While Riga is still pondering whether to send a donation text message, Liepāja residents have been actively training in various helping disciplines for four years.

The Ukrainian anthem sounds every day at noon in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, which has become as familiar a sound as the tram bell or vendors calling out at the Central Market. "Huge gratitude to people for coming. Someone has knitted socks, another brought along a wool blanket from their neighbor," says Ilze Putniņa, who accepts donations and has apparently become an expert in evaluating wool products.

The most peculiar sight was boys from Zenta Mauriņa Grobiņa Secondary School enthusiastically learning drone piloting. "I haven't done it yet, but I've always wanted to," admitted Marks, who until now probably only considered neighbor Jānis with his beach camera to be a drone operator. But it got really heartwarming when little Artūrs from Jānis Čakste Secondary School proudly announced: "We're preparing candles and taking them to the Ukrainians!" The boy knows precisely that soldiers use candles for making tea and heating, which proves that Liepāja children understand practical help better than some adult politicians.

While other cities are still debating forms of support, Liepāja has long proven that charity can be both effective and creative. From sock knitting to drone piloting simulations — our city once again proves we're a step ahead of everyone else. Even Karosta would be proud of such solidarity.