UWC President meets with Swedish parliamentarians

STOCKHOLM – President of the Ukrainian World Congress Paul Grod met with members of the Swedish Parliament on Nov. 22 during his official visit to Sweden. The meeting was organized at the initiative of MP Helena Lindahl, who invited colleagues from various political parties to discuss key issues surrounding Ukraine’s support.

The UWC delegation included Oleksandra Tershak Gustavsson, Chairwoman of the Ukrainian Community in Gothenburg; Viktor Ivan-Gustavsson, a member of the same community, Julia Alexandersson, Head of the More Mosaic organization, and Mykola Dvornik, a board member of the Ukrainian Community in Gothenburg (Ukrainska Sällskapet i Göteborg). Representatives from four of Sweden’s major political parties were present.

In his address, Grod expressed gratitude to the Swedish people and government for their support of Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees. He urged Swedish parliamentarians to continue their assistance, stressing several key issues: Sweden’s involvement in the Danish initiative to procure weapons for Ukraine, the recognition of the Holodomor as a genocide against the Ukrainian people, the potential impact of the U.S. elections on Ukraine’s support, Ukraine’s NATO integration, and the creation of a support alliance involving the Baltic States, Scandinavia, Poland, and the UK.

This meeting marked an important step in deepening the partnership between Ukraine and Sweden, as well as discussing strategic initiatives to support the Ukrainian people.

Grod met with Martin Ådahl, an MP and Secretary for Economic Affairs of Sweden’s Centre Party, who has been advocating for the recognition of the Holodomor as genocide and recently submitted a petition to parliament on the matter. During the meeting, Grod highlighted the significance of this initiative and stressed the need for increased support for Ukraine.

During a meeting with volunteers in Sweden on Nov. 21, Grod emphasized that Ukraine’s victory is the only solution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He also underscored the importance of efficiently using financial resources.

Among other initiatives, Grod proposed involving American and Canadian donors in collaborations with Swedish volunteer organizations and creating a registry of these organizations along with a coordination council.

At a separate meeting with the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Nov. 21, Grod called for stronger efforts to combat sanctions evasion, increased protection of Ukraine’s airspace, and the official recognition of the Holodomor as a genocide. 

Torbjörn Sohlström, Director General and Head of the Euro-Atlantic and Security Policy Department at the Swedish Foreign Ministry, confirmed Sweden’s support for Ukraine’s EU and NATO membership, although he noted that NATO membership is currently hindered by a lack of consensus among member countries.

This official visit, which began on Nov. 15, continues until Nov. 25. Previously, Grod addressed the Danish Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee, met with the Danish Defense Minister, and held talks with Norwegian lawmakers. 

The mission aims to strengthen Ukraine’s support, address the challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees, and raise awareness of critical humanitarian and historical issues.