Ukrainian Ambassador Andrii Plakhotniuk sums up the war so far.
– 100 days of suffering, 100 days of atrocities, 100 days of tears for our mothers, wives and daughters.
The Russian flag is waving in the wind about 50 meters from the Ukrainian embassy on Lidingö outside Stockholm. A large red brick house houses the Russian Federation’s trade representation in Sweden.
Ironically, the Ukrainian ambassador and his hard-pressed staff are constantly reminded of what happened on February 24 – exactly 100 days ago.
Nothing has been the same since the outbreak of war. The embassy staff handles a constant stream of questions based on the new situation. To date, just over 34,400 Ukrainians, of which more than 12,600 children, have applied here according to the latest figures from the Swedish Migration Board.
– We all work around the clock, says Andrii Plakhotniuk in connection with a TT interview in the office room at the embassy located in an ordinary high-rise building.
Small candles in the dark
Everything is still not pitch black, he points out:
– This war has united the Ukrainians a lot and shown that a free people in a free country can stand up for their country and fight for their values and a future free from foreign influence.
TT: Is there anything happening during these 100 days that may even have led to optimism?
– Several things. Internally, it is the strength and unity of our nation. Externally, it is about the strong solidarity and the significant help and cohesion from around the world. The anti-war coalition is very strong and has come as a pleasant surprise to the Ukrainians.
TT: The other side of the coin then?
– The darkest moments are the realization that the Russian Federation does not want to step down and not negotiate in an appropriate way to find a peaceful end to this war.
– It is really painful to see these abominations, the indiscriminate bombing and airstrikes that make ordinary Ukrainians suffer so much.
Strengthened morale
TT: In that context, is it realistic to hope for a ceasefire before the fall?
– We have been at war for eight years, it started already in 2014, and always advocated a peaceful solution. But we see no preparedness on the part of the Russians, but on the contrary a desire to further step up and increase the effort, Andrii Plakhotniuk answers.
TT: Is there a risk that the war will continue for the rest of the year?
– We must be prepared for all scenarios. As it is now, the war continues without any signs of slowing down on their part.
TT: How important is it for the morale of the Ukrainians to see how Russia is isolated and how the outside world supports Ukraine?
– It is very important. Every single act plays a role and gives us strength and energy to fight, not only for Ukraine but also for our common values and security on the continent and in the world, says the 46-year-old diplomat who was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city after Kyiv .
Grateful for weapons
On the same day as the interview, the government decided on further arms deliveries to Ukraine in the form of naval target robots, armored vehicles and automatic rifles.
– We are very grateful for the announcement from the Swedish government about a third support package. It really is another sign of genuine solidarity.
– This is definitely what we desperately need right now, but frankly we are expecting even more help from more countries because the war continues with serious crimes against humanity and war crimes, says Andrii Plakhotniuk.
The fighting is now concentrated in the Donbass region in the east and the ambassador admits the risk of a protracted low-intensity war there.
– At the same time, we have launched a counter-offensive in the southern part of the country and yesterday (Wednesday) we liberated several small villages in the Cherson area.
Appreciates the NATO application
The ambassador reiterates the need to expose Russia to “really painful” sanctions in order to end the war. Another hope for Ukraine is that one day beyond the war it will be accepted as a candidate country in the EU.
– It would mean a very strong signal that we stand up for you, a signal not only to Ukrainians that you belong to the family of European nations and will definitely become a member of the EU in the future, but also that a very clear message to President Putin that Ukraine does not stands alone, not only in words but also in concrete terms.
TT: How do you view Sweden’s and Finland’s applications for membership in NATO?
– It is also important for Ukraine. In this regard, we definitely expect future support from both countries when they become members of NATO, in terms of promoting the Ukrainian issue.
Andrii Plakhotniuk, who has been ambassador to Sweden since 2020, testifies to many signs of solidarity from various levels in Swedish society.
– We feel it every day. As our President Zelenskyj said in his video speech to the Swedish Parliament on March 24: We are a blue-yellow team that stands together.