Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf has visited Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Lviv. The visit is the first by a monarch since Russia’s invasion in 2022 and is seen as a clear signal of Sweden’s continued support for the country. According to Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (Moderate Party), the visit should be seen as “proof of Sweden’s broad and unwavering support.”

On Friday, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, together with Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M), participated in a memorial ceremony for fallen Ukrainian soldiers in Lviv in western Ukraine.

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also present, and the heads of state honored the fallen by laying flowers at graves in the Lychakiv Cemetery, where soldiers killed in the war have been buried since April 2022.

READ ALSO: The King in meeting with Zelenskyy: “Unwavering support”

According to the Royal Court, the King was visiting to show Sweden’s support and it was a gesture President Zelenskyy later described as significant.

“In Sweden, we wholeheartedly support Ukraine’s brave people, its soldiers, and veterans,” said the King at the ceremony.

Photo: President.gov.ua

“You have our full support”

Thereafter, talks were held between the two heads of state at the Potocki Palace in Lviv. In a speech, the King highlighted Ukraine’s resilience and offered a personal recognition to the president.

“You are a fantastic leader for Ukraine,” said the King, adding that he is “deeply impressed by the courage you have shown.”

The King also stressed that support for Ukraine in Sweden is broad and extends beyond politics.

“In Swedish society, solidarity with Ukraine is strong.”

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In addition to official meetings, the visit included elements where the Swedish delegation learned how the war affects Ukrainian society in everyday life. For example, they visited schools and hospitals, and the King also met with wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

According to the Royal Court, the trip aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the situation on the ground, while also signaling Sweden’s top-level support. The visit to Lviv is therefore not seen only as a symbolic gesture, but also as a clear indication that Swedish commitment remains – even at a time when international focus has partly shifted to the Middle East.

“You have our full support. In Sweden, we wholeheartedly support Ukraine’s brave people, its soldiers and veterans,” said the King according to TT.

Photo: President.gov.ua

Discussing Gripen aircraft

In a video post on social media, Volodymyr Zelenskyy states that Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf has visited Ukraine, where discussions included the possibility of strengthening the Ukrainian air force with the JAS Gripen jet.

READ ALSO: Zelenskyy in Sweden: “Hope to get at least 100 Gripen jets”

He stated that Ukraine is ready to expand its cooperation in the defense industry with Sweden.

I thank His Majesty for his visit and for the support of our people. Sweden is among the five largest donors in terms of support for our armed forces and our citizens. This is very important for our defense and our resilience. Support for Ukraine and opportunities to strengthen the Ukrainian air force, including with Gripen aircraft, were among the central issues during the talks.

“Proof of Sweden’s unwavering support”

Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard emphasized that the visit carries special significance, not least because it is the first time a monarch has traveled to Ukraine since the outbreak of war.

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“Today’s visit together with H.M. The King marks Ukraine’s first visit by a monarch since the outbreak of war and is further proof of Sweden’s broad and unwavering support.”

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