Oksana Kiriļuka, originally from the Kyiv region, has been living in Latvia for four years with her two daughters, where they've found refuge from the war in Ukraine. The family, including a basketball team of Ukrainian girls and their mothers, received support from notable figures like Ainars Bagatskis, the current coach of the Ukrainian national basketball team. Kiriļuka's journey illustrates the broader experiences of Ukrainian refugees in Latvia, highlighting their resilience and the communities that welcome them.

In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Kiriļuka represents many other displaced individuals who have sought safety in Latvia. She recounts the warmth and organization of her arrival, noting that transportation was arranged for them from Poland to Latvia. This experience reflects the effort by local communities in Latvia to support Ukrainian refugees, emphasizing the positive impact of collaboration between municipalities in both nations.

The article is part of a series titled “Now in Latvia,” which shares stories from Ukrainians who relocated due to the war. Journalist Oksana Puhačova, who has also experienced the refugee plight, uses her platform to shed light on the challenges faced by refugees and the ongoing need for support and cooperation between Ukrainian and Latvian municipalities. Through sharing these personal narratives, the series aims to foster understanding and empathy among the Latvian populace toward their new neighbors from Ukraine.