Help Ukraine Gothenburg hosted a meeting between Ambassador of Ukraine in Sweden and the Ukrainian community.

Meeting with the Ambassador of Ukraine in Sweden at HUG

On October 17, Help Ukraine Gothenburg (HUG) hosted a meeting between Svitlana Zalishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine in Sweden, and the Ukrainian community in Gothenburg.

The Ambassador opened the evening with an inspiring speech about her work in Sweden, the international support Ukraine is receiving at the highest levels, and the important role our communities play in sustaining that support.

“I am here not simply as the Ambassador of Ukraine. I am the ambassador of Ukraine at war. I represent a country that is fighting not only for its own freedom, but for the freedom of the free world. We are fighting not just for our borders, but for the very idea that borders should be respected — for sovereignty as a value, and for international law that must be upheld.” - Svitlana Zalishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine in Sweden.  

Ambassador also shared her own reflections on Sweden’s strong commitment to Ukraine:

“In every meeting — with politicians, ministers, members of parliament, and representatives of defense industries — I have felt extraordinary support and solidarity. Although Sweden is 1,500 kilometers away from the frontline, politically it stands on the frontline of the fight for European security.”  

During her speech, the Ambassador outlined the key priorities of the Embassy's work in Sweden — strengthening defense and energy cooperation, expanding economic partnerships, encouraging Swedish business investments in Ukraine, and coordinating humanitarian aid such as medical supplies, ambulances, evacuation vehicles, and reconstruction equipment.

Engaging with the Community

Following her speech, participants had the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences — from cultural and political topics to everyday consular challenges Ukrainians face living in Sweden.  

With many questions related to consular services and documentation abroad, the Ambassador proposed holding a follow-up online meeting with the Consul to provide more detailed answers to the community's concerns.

"Community engagement is also important to us. To feel your support, to know that you have backing here in Sweden, and to maintain dialogue."  

At HUG, we believe that open dialogue between the community, organisations and diplomatic representation is invaluable. Such conversations strengthen our collective efforts and ensure that the needs and voices of Ukrainians in Sweden are heard at the highest levels.  

Supporting Ukraine Together

After the official meeting, everyone was invited to taste Ukrainian syrnyky (cheese pancakes) to support our fundraising for ambulances for Ukraine. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised over 7,000 SEK during the event.

We are deeply grateful to Ambassador Svitlana Zalishchuk for her visit and to everyone who joined us. When the community, organizations, and diplomatic representation work together, our support for Ukraine becomes stronger.

We continue working together for victory 💙💛