RIGA, March 21 (LETA) - Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, 9,333 Ukrainian refugees have sought assistance at Latvia's municipal civil protection commissions, Environment Protection and Regional Development Minister Arturs Toms Pless (For Development) said in an interview with the Latvian public television on Monday.

The minister cited the Interior Ministry's data for Sunday, saying that it is a significant number.

"We also understand that many Ukrainian residents have families here and that is how they arrive in Latvia," the politician said.

In his words, the refugee admission system in Latvia is being improved. "What is important in such crisis situations is that everyone knows their job, works actively in the field and can ensure the necessary support to Ukrainian civilians and in general," said Pless.

He admitted that admission of refugees differs by municipality, depending on the available resources, accommodation possibilities and awareness.

The politician said that information exchange among the organizations and institutions engaged in refugee admission process could be improved. 

As reported, on February 24, Russia unleashed a war in Ukraine, targeting not only military, but also residential areas. More than ten million civilians have been forced to flee their home and country. Thousands have arrived also in Latvia.