On March 13, a strategic discussion on Ukraine – Scandinavia: Bound Through Thirteen Centuries and the launch event of the Norwegian-Swedish Askold and Dir Fund took place in Kyiv, bringing together diplomats, politicians, prominent cultural figures, representatives of civil society, historians, and experts.
The event aimed to deepen the partnership between Ukraine and Scandinavian countries for democracy and civil society development, emphasizing that a stable and democratic Ukraine is a key factor for security in Europe.
Scandinavian Partners: Supporting Ukraine since 2014
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Olexandr Mishchenko, welcomed event’s participants and emphasized that the support from Scandinavian countries has remained steadfast since the beginning of Russia’s aggression in 2014:
"Among those present in this hall are our partners who, from the very outset of the aggression, called the aggressor by its name and have since supported us with everything they could. Today, they are the founders and initiators of numerous military initiatives, enabling our Armed Forces to defend not only Ukraine but all of Europe."
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway in Ukraine, Н.Е. Helene Sand Andresen, emphasized that Norway's support for Ukraine has significantly increased. The initial support allocated NOK 75 billion over a five-year period. However, last week, the Norwegian Parliament decided to increase this amount by an additional NOK 50 billion. As a result, Norway’s total support for Ukraine in 2025 will reach NOK 85 billion (approximately 7.8 billion euros).
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going. This epitomizes Ukraine and her people - and we, your partners, are doing our best to rise to the challenge alongside you. The Norwegian government, political parties and society are united in standing with Ukraine and with our allies,” emphasized Helene Sand Andresen.
The Ambassador of Iceland to Ukraine, H.E. Friðrik Jónsson, highlighted the importance of preventing a Russian resurgence:
“We need to make sure that Russia does not come in after any kind of intermission stronger and more determined to continue and bring destruction and pain. This is our shared task and collective hope — to unite the efforts of Ukraine, the Nordic countries, and the Baltics to secure a just and lasting peace."
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden in Ukraine, H.E. Martin Åberg, highlighted the high level of cooperation between the public sector and civil society in Ukraine:
"Сivil society should not merely contribute or respond to or assist with our advocate government but to actually be an integral and full-fledged actor in the policy process," said the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden in Ukraine.
Presentation of the Askold and Dir Fund and Strategic Discussion
Volodymyr Sheyhus, Executive Director of ISAR Ednannia, noted that the Norwegian-Swedish Askold and Dir Fund aims to strengthen cooperation between civil society, the public sector, and private enterprises.
"If we want large-scale change in the country, we must unite even more. That is exactly what our Fund is about," emphasized Volodymyr Sheyhus.
The event also featured a keynote speech by Oksana Zabuzhko on Europe at a Crossroads or the Ukrainian Alternative? − The Return of Mazepa, and lecture by Volodymyr Yermolenko, North-South as the Key Axis of Ukrainian Culture, and a panel discussion on the future of Scandinavian-Ukrainian partnership.
A Partnership That Shapes the Future
The Scandinavian countries have repeatedly proven that their support for Ukraine extends beyond financial aid — it is strategic. They do not merely support Ukraine, they recognize it as an equal partner in the shared effort to build the future of Europe.
"Scandinavian nations show political courage in confronting Russian aggression, making difficult yet crucial decisions. We must appreciate such partners," concluded Olexandr Mischenko.
