The State Security Service (VDD) announced that it is assisting the police in investigating a fire that occurred on July 19 at the organization’s central building and warehouse in Riga.
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Given the Russian sabotage organized in Latvia and other NATO and European Union (EU) member states in recent years, the possibility that the fire could have been caused in the interests of Russia is not ruled out, the VDD stated. Institutions providing support to Ukraine have long been one of the main targets of Russian special services’ subversive activities in Europe, the agency notes.
The fire in the Skanste district occurred in a fenced area, where the largest building is the association’s warehouse, painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Part of the territory consists of an unmaintained green area – trees and tall grass.
Association director Ulvis Noviks told journalists on Friday that, according to surveillance camera footage, two masked individuals climbed over the fence and entered the association’s territory. They then approached one of the building’s windows, broke it, and threw something flammable inside.
The attack lasted a couple of minutes. During it, the alarm was triggered, and security guards arrived within minutes, but the perpetrators had already managed to escape. “They escaped by a hair’s breadth. As soon as they fled, security guards arrived immediately. After that, the fire service was called,” said U. Noviks.
That night, there were no association employees or visitors on the premises.
When asked about the motives for the attack, U. Noviks noted that the association had not received any threats previously, although there are many different theories. Hostile comments towards the association are constantly observed on social networks.
“You see what we do here, so there can be a variety of motives. Until any confirmations are provided, I will not express any speculation,” said U. Noviks.
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Although the fire occurred a week ago, the association only reported the incident to the media on Thursday. U. Noviks explained that the decision to remain silent was made on the advice of the police.
It is not yet possible to assess the extent of the damage, as the situation changes daily, and some documents were destroyed. “It is definitely approaching 100 thousand euros,” emphasized U. Noviks, adding that computer equipment, clothes, food, and other aid for Ukrainian soldiers were burned in the fire. The association’s inventory was also damaged.
The area destroyed by the fire covers 250 square meters, but damage was done to the entire 1,000 square meter building rented by the association.
The association will continue its work, although its activities have been severely affected. Temporary solutions are currently being sought to accept donations and distribute them to Ukraine and the people of Latvia.
Thanks to donations from private individuals and companies since the beginning of the Russian war, “Tavi Draugi” has delivered humanitarian aid worth over 12 million euros to Ukraine, the association states.
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