Throughout Almedalen, the Ambassador Svitlana Zalishchuk participated in discussions on European security, defence cooperation, energy resilience, reconstruction, veterans' affairs, free media, and Ukraine's European future.
The programme included a wide range of public events, from security and defence to energy resilience, support for veterans, freedom of the press, and Sweden's continued role in supporting Ukraine. These conversations brought together policymakers, experts, civil society, and engaged citizens, highlighting the strong partnership between Ukraine and Sweden.
One of the highlights of our programme was the Embassy's event, organised together with HUG – Help Ukraine Gothenburg, at the historic S:t Nicolai Church Ruins in Visby.
The afternoon began with a screening of the award-winning Ukrainian documentary Palyanytsia, directed by Kadim Tarasov and Yuliia Bolshynska, produced by Kateryna Tymchenko and Ryan Smith, offering a moving portrait of two artists travelling through a country at war.
This was followed by the high-level panel discussion "Standing with Ukraine. What Comes Next?", focusing on the prospects for a just peace, Ukraine's strategic priorities, European security, and how international support can remain effective throughout Russia's ongoing war of aggression.
We were honoured to welcome distinguished speakers:
Jessica Rosencrantz, Minister for European Union Affairs of Sweden;
Ambassador Svitlana Zalishchuk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Sweden;
Torbjörn Becker, Director of the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics;
Major Maksym Horbatiuk, Head of the Land Weapon Systems Service of the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The discussion was expertly moderated by Swedish journalist and television presenter Karin Hübinette.
Minister Jessica Rosencrantz opened the discussion with a clear message of Sweden's continued commitment:
"There is no more important event than being here, and there is no more important task for us moving forward than supporting Ukraine."
Major Maksym Horbatiuk shared valuable insights from the battlefield, noting that Russia is not succeeding in its military objectives, is losing more soldiers than it can replace, while Ukraine's defence industry continues to develop rapidly. Ukraine's recent deep strikes demonstrate both innovation and growing capabilities.
The conversation also explored sanctions, European integration, defence innovation, Sweden's leadership, and the future of European security.
Following the discussion, guests gathered to enjoy traditional Ukrainian borscht. Judging by the enthusiastic response, both the panel discussion and the borscht attracted great interest. It was particularly meaningful to see Minister Jessica Rosencrantz and Ambassador Svitlana Zalishchuk personally serving borscht to participants, creating an atmosphere of openness, solidarity, and friendship.
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Zalishchuk also met with numerous Swedish organisations, volunteer initiatives, and activists supporting Ukraine.
We are sincerely grateful for your dedication and solidarity. It is inspiring to see how many initiatives across Sweden continue to stand with Ukraine. Tack så mycket!
As three intensive days in Visby came to an end, one message stood out clearly: Sweden's support for Ukraine remains strong, broad, and forward-looking. From government representatives and experts to volunteers, journalists, veterans' organisations, and engaged citizens, Almedalen once again demonstrated that Ukraine's fight for freedom is understood as a shared European cause.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended our events, contributed to the discussions, and helped make Ukraine's voice heard throughout Almedalen.
Together, we continue to strengthen the partnership between Ukraine and Sweden and work towards a just, lasting, and secure peace for Ukraine and for Europe.