King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden arrived in Lviv on April 17 for an official visit. He was greeted by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. The monarch’s itinerary included a series of important events.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Commemoration and Support for Ukrainian Soldiers
During the visit, Carl XVI Gustaf, along with President Zelensky, visited the Field of Honor, where they paid tribute to the memory of Ukrainian soldiers who died in the war with the Russian Federation. The king also visited a rehabilitation center where servicemen injured on the front lines are receiving treatment and prosthetics.
Meeting at the Potocki Palace and Key Statements
Negotiations between the President of Ukraine and the King of Sweden took place at the Potocki Palace. Before the meeting began, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Carl XVI Gustaf and the Swedish people for their significant support of Ukraine, particularly in the areas of defense, humanitarian aid, and the repatriation of Ukrainian children. The President emphasized that in 2026, Sweden allocated 4 billion Swedish kronor for Ukraine and thanked the queen, Silvia, for her involvement in the project to bring Ukrainian children home.
“Sweden is one of the five largest donors to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Ukrainian population. For this year, Sweden has committed support amounting to 4 billion Swedish kronor, which is a substantial support for Ukraine. We thank Her Majesty Queen Silvia for her great support of the project to bring Ukrainian children home.
Particular attention during the negotiations was given to a new program to enhance the protection of Ukrainian airspace using Swedish Gripen fighter jets. Zelensky reported that Ukrainian pilots would begin training on these aircraft later this year.
In response, Carl XVI Gustaf noted that this visit was his first to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by Russia. He expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine, the military, and veterans, emphasizing that support for Ukraine within Swedish society remains steadfast. The king also mentioned that he looks forward to meeting with Ukrainians to hear their stories personally.
It is worth noting that the royal couple previously visited Ukraine in 2008 when Viktor Yushchenko was president. At that time, Queen Silvia participated in programs to assist socially vulnerable categories of Ukrainians, including large families and orphans.