RIGA, March 11 (LETA) - By Friday noon, the Riga Refugee Reception Center has assisted 2,381 Ukrainian war refugees, Riga Mayor Martins Stakis said during a press briefing today.

As many as 403 applications for the guaranteed minimum income and 416 applications for crisis benefits have been received. 

421 applications were received for the provision of education services.

During these days, 1,616 SIM cards of Latvian cell-phone operators and 1,698 e-tickets for public transportation in Riga have been issued.

As reported, the first reception center for refugees fleeing war in Ukraine opened at Riga Congress House this week. At the beginning, the center was overwhelmed by the large number of people seeking assistance, which is why it was decided to increase its capacity and the opening of a second center was considered.

On February 24, Russia unleashed a war in Ukraine, targeting not only military, but also residential areas, Belarusian army entered the territory of Ukraine on March 1. More than two million civilians have been forced to flee their home and country. Thousands have arrived in Latvia.