Latvian Mayor Wounded Near Ukraine Frontline During Humanitarian Aid Mission

The mayor of the Latvian city of Ogre, Egils Helmanis, was wounded in Ukraine during his latest volunteer mission — reportedly near the frontline.

According to Latvian public broadcaster LSM on July 16, this was confirmed by municipal representative Patriks Grīva. He stated that the mayor was delivering a batch of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including vehicles and other essentials for Ukrainian defenders.

“Such trips have been a regular part of the mayor's schedule since 2022, from the very start of the war. Every few months, they donate and deliver a significant number of vehicles — about 20 this time,” Grīva said.

Details about the circumstances of Helmanis’ injury remain scarce, but his condition is stable. Grīva did not confirm whether the mayor is currently in hospital, noting that “details of the shelling and the location are unknown.”

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“From what we understand — there was shelling last night, and as a result, he was wounded,” Grīva added.

He explained that he does not yet know the specifics or the exact location of the incident, as the route was kept secret each time. Grīva added that "every such trip carries risks."

The route taken by the truck carrying the humanitarian aid remains undisclosed, and no further information about the injury has been provided.

Earlier, Latvia supplied Ukraine’s Defense Forces with a batch of six-wheeled Patria armored personnel carriers as part of its latest military aid package.

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