This was discussed in Kyiv on March 19 at the meeting between the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vasyl Bodnar and the delegation of the Swedish Defense Commission.

Stockholm is interested in the Ukrainian experience in countering military and hybrid threats from Russia as well as cyberattacks. During the meeting both sides shared the opinion that the aggressive policy of Russia against Ukraine is a part of Kremlin’s plot to destabilize the European continent and undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

Deputy Minister Bodnar explained main challenges and the nature of threats to the Ukrainian state, the source of which is Russia’s desire to stop the European development of Ukraine. Special attention was devoted to the Russian aggression against Ukraine in the Donbas. In this regard, the importance of further consolidation of international community in pushing Moscow to return occupied territories of Ukraine has been highlighted during the meeting.

Vasyl Bodnar expressed gratitude to the Swedish delegation for the strong support by Stockholm of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. “This support is particularly felt in the EU and UN, where our Swedish partners have been cosponsors of all important decisions, resolutions and other documents in support of Ukraine” – underlined Deputy Minister.

According to the representatives of the Swedish delegation, Sweden will remain a reliable partner of Ukraine in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as a true friend in providing practical assistance to the reform efforts of Ukraine.