Written by Andis Žeikars, Senior Guardsman of the 52nd Combat Support Battalion of the National Guard and board member of the “Zalktis” Hunting Club
Hunters! The land of Ukraine is burning!
Occupying armoured vehicles are burning, along with Ukrainian homes, hospitals, and a normal way of life.
In these past few days, it has become clear to us that we no longer live in a normal world. The fire of war has been lit in Europe. Right now, the sons and daughters of the Ukrainian people are fighting with weapons in their hands for the survival of their country. This is also our fight for the right to live in our own country and enjoy freedom. If Ukraine falls, we will be next.
A few years ago, Ukraine began forming territorial defence units, similar to our National Guard. Just like our National Guard in the early 1990s, funding is very low, and even basic necessities are lacking. The escalation of the war has led to a large influx of people into the territorial defence units. Many have arrived in their everyday clothes, and often the only thing the state can issue is an old AKM assault rifle and two magazines.
We appreciate the support that Western countries have provided to our National Guard, and now the time has come for us to help others. Almost everything needed for combat and living outdoors is required – suitable clothing, including thermal underwear and boots, walkie-talkies, tactical vests, night vision and thermal imaging cameras, optical sights, pots and portable stoves, backpacks, sleeping mats and sleeping bags, chemical heat packs, flashlights, lighters, combat knives and multi-tools, compasses and GPS navigation equipment, earplugs and protective goggles, binoculars and spotting scopes, batteries and chargers, and even vehicles.
At the moment, Latvian hunters have donated canned game meat, which the Latvian Army will transport on to Ukraine. However, military operations are ongoing and our help is vitally important. I would like to ask for donations of communication devices, because without communication, successful combat operations are hindered. Let us share our stockpiled canned goods and dry rations.
Our donations should be delivered to Jānis Ratkevičs. Since 2014, Jānis has been collecting donations as a volunteer and delivering them to the Ukrainian army and volunteer units. You can also simply transfer money to cover delivery costs.
In case you cannot deliver your donations quickly, please contact us.
Jānis Ratkevičs 26367772, LV53HABA0551002997042, janis.ratkevics@gmail.com
Andis Žeikars, 26053386
Glory to Ukraine!