Since seed grain is unavailable in the Vinnytsia region due to the war, Gunvaldis Sproģis, owner of SIA “Joži”, decided to donate seed for transport to Strižavka in the Vinnytsia region. On Friday, a Ukrainian “Man” articulated lorry arrived in Jaunpils and was loaded with the maximum possible amount – 22 tonnes – of untreated wheat grain in bags.

“It is a duty,” Gunvaldis Sproģis stated laconically. His life path has crossed with Ukraine several times. He served in Ukraine near Zhytomyr and has had business relations with Ukrainians – “I have only ever met good people,” the owner recalls.

But what stays with him most is the time of the barricades in January 1991, when the people of Jaunpils were guarding the Latvian Television building on Zaķusala. At one point, traffic on the Salu Bridge was restricted. A fully-laden Kamaz truck pulled up, an angry Ukrainian jumped out and shouted – asking why they were blocking the road and not letting him drive on!