A very special meeting took place in Stockholm yesterday.

Continuing their rehabilitation stay in Sweden, Ukrainian children from the Okhmatdyt National Children's Specialised Hospital in Kyiv, who were severely injured as a result of Russia's war against Ukraine, met with Her Majesty Queen Silvia, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria, and Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden. Ambassador of Ukraine to Sweden Svitlana Zalishchuk joined the children for the meeting.

The meeting was very warm and informal. The Royal Family spent time talking with the children, asking about their stay in Sweden, their interests, and their lives back home.

For the children, it was an opportunity to simply enjoy the afternoon and the attention of people who genuinely wanted to hear what they had to say.

The meeting also showed once again the special attention the Swedish Royal Family has given to Ukraine and, in particular, to Ukrainian children affected by the war. We deeply value this solidarity and the very human connection between Sweden and Ukraine.

Her Majesty Queen Silvia has for decades been a strong international advocate for children's rights and protection. In 1999, she founded the World Childhood Foundation, which works to protect children from violence and abuse and to ensure their right to a safe childhood. The Foundation also works with partners in Ukraine to support and protect children affected by Russia's war.

For children who have already endured far more than any child should, moments like this matter. They are reminders that beyond Ukraine's borders, there are people who know their stories, care about their future, and stand beside them.

We are deeply grateful to Her Majesty Queen Silvia, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria, and Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine for their warmth, compassion, and attention to the Ukrainian children, as well as to Sweden for continuing to stand with Ukraine and its children.