Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 changed the course of the world's history and deeply shattered all of us. Ukraine continues fighting for its freedom as well as for the values of Western civilization, thus also for our values. The coin is a reminder that one should not grow tired and tolerate what is happening in Ukraine. The freedom of Ukraine is a shared responsibility.
The author of the collector coin "For the Freedom of Ukraine" is a Ukrainian artist Sergiy Maidukov. The artist has chosen to focus the coin's perspective on one single word – ВОЛЯ – that has multiple meanings in his native tongue: FREEDOM; WILL; POWER.
The coin is not only of a symbolic, but also of a practical significance. With the help of the coin, Latvijas Banka will make donations to support Ukraine. The proceeds gained from each coin it sells will be donated to Ukraine.
The letters touching the silver surface both pierce the plane and rise above it or dive into a silver mirror, each in their own rhythm... This is the reality of the close distance.
The bird with the little golden star depicted on the coin's reverse is an image representing a future political promise – Ukraine becoming part of the European Union. But not only that. This serves as both evidence and a reminder that a guarantee of freedom is integral to the flight of spirit.
The competition for the graphic design of the coin "For the Freedom of Ukraine" was unique in that upon Latvijas Banka's invitation it gathered five acknowledged artists from Ukraine – Kateryna Bielobrova, Nikita Kadan, Sergiy Maidukov, Roman Minin and Anna Zvyagintseva.
The nature of all works submitted to the competition was deeply emotional and personal.
Latvijas Banka expresses its gratitude to everyone who supports Ukraine in its fight for freedom by buying this coin.