Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard on the Independence Day of Ukraine
Government Offices of Sweden
Speech by Maria Malmer Stenergard
Published 24 August 2025
Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard on the Independence Day of Ukraine, Sergels Torg 24 August 2025.
Check against delivery.
My dear Ukrainian friends,
Dorohí ukrajíntsi, dorohí druzí
My warmest thanks to all of you who have gathered here today to celebrate free Ukraine.
The 24 August 1991, when Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union, was not just an important date in the annals of history. It was also the beginning of a journey away from oppression - and towards freedom, democracy and the right to peacefully determine its own future.
Few have made such huge and heroic sacrifices for these fundamental rights as the Ukrainian people.
The pain, suffering and destruction that Russia's aggression is inflicting on Ukraine is indescribable. My thoughts are with all the people subjected to these horrific crimes on a daily basis.
There is no doubt about the goal of Putin's war: to subdue or wipe out Ukraine as a free and independent nation.
On a day like today, I would like to thank Ukraine for the unyielding will to defend your country that you are showing. It gives us all hope.
Your fight for freedom is also our fight for a free and democratic Europe - for a world where might does not make right. This has brought our countries closer together than ever.
I can assure you that Sweden will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes.
****
Ukrainian friends,
How the war ends will shape Europe for generations to come. Providing support to Ukraine is and will remain this Government's top foreign policy priority. Our support rests on three pillars:
- Firstly, political support. This is unwavering. Ukraine belongs in the European family. This is why we're supporting the reform process towards EU membership. Ukraine in the EU is a vital future investment in peace and security throughout Europe.
- Secondly, military aid. We have increased our military support every year of the full-scale invasion. We recently announced that we, together with Denmark and Norway, will purchase US defence equipment, including ammunition for air defence systems, through NATO, worth SEK 5 billion. Collectively the Nordic countries are the largest donors of military support to Ukraine this year.
- Lastly, Ukraine is the single-largest recipient of Swedish development assistance. With our support, more children can go to school, and with our support, more homes are being heated in winter.
And friends, when the war is over, we will help rebuild your country.
****
If, like me, you grew up in Kristianstad in Skåne, you already had an idea as a child of the strong historical ties between Ukraine and Sweden.
On one of the pedestrian streets in my hometown, in the middle of the city, there's a statue dedicated to former Ukrainian head of state Filip Orlik and his achievements.
Why is this? Well, after the Battle of Poltava, Orlik, his family and parts of his Government accompanied Charles XII of Sweden's troops to Sweden. Orlik's Government was allowed to operate in exile in Kristianstad, where it stayed for three years. A few years earlier, Orlik had drafted Ukraine's first constitution, one of the earliest democratic constitutions in Europe.
The statue thus commemorates not only Ukraine's history, but also its future. A future for freedom, democracy and the right to peacefully determine it.
When I see the courage of the Ukrainian people, I'm prouder of this than ever. I have the deepest respect for your struggle and your determination to regain freedom.
Today, on the Independence Day of Ukraine, like every other day, Sweden stands firmly by your side. This is a policy that has deep and broad support among the Swedish people.
Ukraine has a special place in our hearts.
Thank you; slava Ukraini!
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