Ukrainian community in Sweden exposes “Ballet of Ukraine” as Russian before media investigation

STOCKHOLM – The Ukrainian community in Sweden caught a Moscow red flag about the “Ballet of Ukraine” touring Sweden, uncovering connections to Russia before the Nordic country’s national broadcaster initiated an official investigation.

Oleksandra Tershak-Gustavsson, head of the Ukrainian Community in Gothenburg, confirmed the community’s proactive efforts to investigate the ballet troupe’s true origins, even before the Swedish public broadcaster, SVT, started to dig in March.

“Ukrainians began raising concerns about this ballet when they suspected something wasn’t right. I know someone from our community who spent a lot of time researching the situation,” Tershak-Gustavsson said. 

She continued: “He [Ukrainian community member] didn’t act anonymously, as the media suggests, but took a public approach: he reached out to various media outlets, contacted the concert hall, and gathered information and evidence about the artists’ ties to Russia.” 

Ukrainians and Swedes jointly investigated the matter. 

A social media group was formed where people shared information and conducted research. The activists spent significant time fact-checking but received no response from the concert hall.

Their substantial joint efforts led to exposing the Russian roots of the ballet, Tershak-Gustavsson said.

“There may have been some registration issues that caused confusion among organizers due to the complicated nature of the connections, as registration was handled through various channels,” she said.

Ukrainians are continuing their efforts to raise awareness about the risks posed by Russian ballet and culture.

“Yes, the Gothenburg Stands With Ukraine protests organize weekly demonstrations featuring speeches, Ukrainian flags, and the sharing of information about Ukraine in Gothenburg. These actions happen twice a week, even if only small groups attend. It’s an effective way to draw attention to Ukraine,” the community said.

A rally was also held outside the concert hall before and during the ballet performance, where participants informed the audience about the presence of Russian performers in the cast.

Ukrainians also alerted the local Ukrainian community in Norway about the ballet’s planned tour there.

This winter, the group performed Petr Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet “The Nutcracker” in eight Swedish cities.