On the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the head of the charity organization Ziedot.lv, Rūta Dimanta, has received a high Ukrainian state award—the Order of Princess Olga, 3rd class. The decree to award Rūta Dimanta was signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Order of Princess Olga was established in 1997 and is awarded for personal merits in the fields of state service, science, education, culture, and other public activities. Rūta Dimanta received the order for organizing aid to Ukraine since February 24, 2022, and for her advocacy of Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-determination.
The Ziedot.lv Fund has been helping Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression since 2014. Since February 24, 2022, Rūta Dimanta has been actively advocating for aid to Ukraine and for refugees fleeing the war. "I am grateful for this high recognition," says Rūta Dimanta, "but I would wish never to receive such an award in this context, when Ukrainians have to fight for their right to live."
Rūta Dimanta received the order at a solemn ceremony at the Ukrainian Embassy in Latvia on February 24, 2024. Former Riga mayor Mārtiņš Staķis and Andra Levite also received awards.
