RIGA, Oct 14 (LETA) - This week, Riga City Council chairman Martins Stakis (Progressives/For) together with mayors of Florence, Kyiv, Gdansk, and Lion met with European Commission's president Ursula von Leyen in Brussels to discuss cooperation of European cities and the EU in reconstruction of Ukraine, LETA learned from the Riga City Council.

During the meeting, the mayors discussed the provided support to Ukraine and confirmed wish to participate in the initiatives providing assistance to Ukraine, including RebuilUkraine.

"It is the duty of Riga and all European cities to support Ukraine. Ukrainians are giving their lives for Europe's freedom, democracy and European values. The EU and European cities must not stand aside," said Stakis.

He said that during the first days of the war, the Riga City Council made the decision on providing financial assistance to Ukraine, and Riga donated city buses that residents of Riga filled with donations.

People injured in the war are treated at hospitals of Riga, and Riga is a safe place for thousands of Ukrainian refugees, said Stakis. He said that engagement of the European Commission is very important, and it is important that the assistance is provided locally, nationally and internationally.