In a conversation that preceded the victory of the Dallas Mavericks unit over the Los Angeles Lakers, Bertan said he was following news about the ongoing war in Ukraine and how all the decisions could affect Latvia.
“Hopefully it won’t get that far, but you never know what will happen,” Bertan said. “If the Russian troops go towards Europe, then the Baltic states are the first goal. We must be ready.”
The Latvian basketball player pointed out that his friends and family are still calm in Latvia, but possible options have also been discussed if the situation becomes dangerous in the territory of Latvia as well. Another option is for his family to go to Spain with his brother Daira Bertan.
“We are currently discussing a plan if the situation changes rapidly, but I don’t think it can happen now,” Bertans said. “You never know who he is [Krievijas prezidentam Vladimiram Putinam] will come to mind. “
Bertan also said that he knew the players who had played for Ainars Bagatskas, but they were in Spain at the beginning of the war. He also pointed out that the Latvian Basketball Union is trying to help Ukrainian basketball players, as well as mentioned the possibility for Ukrainian players to join the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League teams.
“Currently, I can donate money myself. It’s a way I can help people who are currently leaving Ukraine. Many are going to Poland, Romania, Lithuania and Latvia, so financial support is the biggest thing I can do right now,” the basketball player said.
Bertan said that he did not think it was a surprise that Russia had invaded Ukraine, but that the whole world now supports Ukraine, which is home to very patriotic people. “I would say 99% of the population would rather die than be part of Russia,” the basketball player said.
He also said that he had not yet contacted Ukrainian basketball players Oleksiy Len and Sviatoslav Mikhailuk, who play in the NBA, but believe that they are now receiving a lot of support and see that the whole world is ready to help Ukraine.
In the end, Bertan added that it is not necessary to blame all the Russians for what is happening, because there are many who did not want the invasion of Ukraine to begin, and the spread of hatred in this case will not do any good.
