Ilona Havronska and Johan Forssell spoke at a rally in support of Ukraine in Stockholm

During a working visit to Sweden, Ilona Havronska, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity for European Integration, spoke at the weekly demonstration in support of Ukraine in Stockholm. Sweden’s Minister for Migration, Johan Forssell, also took part in the event.

Ilona Havronska emphasised that she had been impressed by the level of support for Ukraine from the Swedish government and society, and is grateful for every gesture of solidarity felt by our citizens both in Ukraine and in Sweden.

“Thank you, Sweden, for your unwavering solidarity! Thank you to everyone who, since the start of the full-scale invasion, has been gathering here every week to support Ukraine, as well as to all those who are helping our country during our struggle against the invaders. Your involvement shows that we have a true friend of Ukraine by our side, the one we can rely on,” said Ilona Havronska.

Addressing those present, the Deputy Minister spoke about the consequences of the latest massive attack carried out by the russian federation on the night of 14–15 June, and called for tougher sanctions and increased political, diplomatic and legal pressure on the russian federation.

Ilona Havronska also spoke about the opening of the Unity Centre in Stockholm, which took place on 15 June. According to her, the Centre is intended to serve as a point of contact for Ukrainians with Ukraine, as well as a place where Swedish citizens can learn more about our country and opportunities for cooperation with the Ukrainian community.

For his part, Johan Forssell emphasised that support for Ukraine remains one of the Swedish Government’s key foreign policy priorities – at the political, economic and humanitarian levels. The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of Ukrainians currently in Sweden under temporary protection, emphasising that many of them have successfully integrated into Swedish society: they are learning the language, working and becoming part of local communities.

Weekly rallies in support of Ukraine have been held in the Swedish capital since the start of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.