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Daiga Mieriņa, Speaker of the Saeima, addressed her counterparts at the Bucha Summit on Tuesday, 31 March, and highlighted that the international community cannot allow  Russian murderers who have murdered Ukrainian civilians to glorify aggression at global forums.

“It is the height of nihilism that Russian troops who have murdered Ukrainian civilians are allowed to glorify aggression at a global forum.  We must not allow Russia’s participation in culture events, including the Venice Biennale. Are we really ready to display paintings painted in Ukrainian blood?” emphasised Speaker Mieriņa.

Latvia will continue its unwavering support to Ukraine and we will not allow war criminals to go unpunished, underlined the Speaker of the Saeima.

“Russia must be held accountable for its crimes and it must compensate the damages it has caused, including through payment of reparations.  A fair and lasting peace in Ukraine is impossible without ensuring accountability. We must not drag our feet on the establishment of the Special Tribunal, and a Compensation Fund for the victims needs to be established,” said Speaker Mieriņa, urging all to take a stronger stand against the return of the aggressor to international events, including in culture and sports.

The Speaker of the Saeima also noted that Russia is responsible for the kidnapping of Ukrainian children. Only approximately 10% of all the abducted children have been returned to Ukraine, said Speaker Mieriņa, urging all to support the Save Ukraine initiative helping bring Ukrainian children back home and to a normal life. 

The summit is taking place in the Ukrainian city of Bucha today, attended by the parliament speakers of European countries to demonstrate their support for Ukraine on its path towards reconstruction and the fight for freedom. The summit also commemorates the victims of the horrific Bucha massacre of March 2022.

Following the summit, Speaker Mieriņa and speakers of other European countries will also meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine.

Speaker Mieriņa’s speech at the Bucha Summit

Saeima Press Service