“I’m sure that NATO will find a solution to close the sky,” Latvian MP

Espresso.West journalist spoke with the leader of the Conservative Party of the Latvian Parliament Juris Jurašs.

Latvia recently changed the law to allow its citizens to fight in Ukraine. Tell us about this step by Latvia.

Now it is difficult to say how many people from Latvia came to Ukraine to defend the independence of Ukraine shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainians. It's been less than a week since the law was changed.  Immediately, as soon as the President of Ukraine issued a decree that such a legion would be formed, literally in a day we quickly adopted a law in parliament allowing all those with a burning heart for Ukraine to come here and defend the country from the invaders. I came here this morning with a group of volunteers from Latvia and we will fight together.

You were among those who prepared this law. Tell us why it is important for Latvians and representatives of other European countries to go to Ukraine and defend Ukrainian statehood?

In Latvia, the Baltics, and Europe, and in general, in the world, they are not only worried about Ukraine and the current situation. Everyone is very eager to help.  And everyone is looking for an opportunity to help. Everything they can. Many people approached me with the question of how to make sure that they could come to Ukraine and defend Ukraine from the invader. I had to quickly accept all the necessary changes.

You are only from the border, as far as I know. Tell us, what are the moods in Latvia and the country's leadership?

Throughout the civilized world, this is the consolidation. I don't remember when that was. We really appreciate the resilience and courage that we see in Ukraine while the Ukrainians defend their state. This inspires everyone else very much, not only in Latvia but also in Europe. Everyone is trying to help. I think that together we are strong and victory will be ours.

One of the requests and demands of our government is to close the sky.  What do you think, can NATO decide to close the sky in Ukraine?

I think this is the main problem right now.  I can say that everyone in NATO understands very well that without resolving the problem, it will be difficult to fight the invader. Therefore, they are looking for an opportunity to help Ukraine close the sky. I am sure that a solution will be found and we will solve this problem.