Gundars Kalve returned this week from Ukraine, where he is defending its independence. Gundars is a patriot of his country – he will stand and fall for the nation. On 18 November, he will be presented with a municipal award – "Honorary Citizen of Jēkabpils Municipality".

Jēkabpils resident Gundars Kalve has just returned from Ukraine: "We were in Izium, Lyman and the frontline zone, which is after the liberation of Lyman from the occupiers."

Gundars has been to Ukraine several times, even before the war: "I was there in January, February – less than a month before the war. During the war, I fought on the Ukrainian side for three months until the end of summer. Now, having returned to the farm to take care of farm business, this was the third time we drove over vehicles, generators, clothing and food. It might be around the eighth time this year. I haven't counted."

He started travelling to Ukraine from the beginning of 2018. "Basically, we were friends with the "Azov" boys – those who defended the "Azovstal" plant. After that, we became friends with other brigades. Last time, I said goodbye to the 56th brigade."