Lviv welcomed a distinguished guest — King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf, who, along with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, visited the city during his trip to Ukraine. This is his first visit since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression.
The King of Sweden, together with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, began by honouring the fallen soldiers at the Lychakiv Cemetery. This was followed by a meeting with local government representatives, including the mayor of Lviv, Andriy Sadovyi. The King strolled through the centre of Lviv, during which the mayor spoke about the heritage architecture protected from bombardments.
Carl XVI Gustaf paid special attention to the damage caused by Russian attacks. The Bernardine complex, an important part of the UNESCO World Heritage, was affected. The King emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage, even during wartime.
The King’s impressions of Lviv were extremely positive. He was moved by the resilience and courage of Lviv’s people. During his walk across Rynok Square, he recalled Googling the city before his visit and was struck by its beauty.
Apart from the cultural programme, Carl XVI Gustaf familiarised himself with the work of Ukrainian rehabilitation centres. He highlighted the impressive technologies at these facilities and noted the spirit of those undergoing treatment.
During the visit, discussions were held on supporting Ukraine, particularly in the defence-industrial sector. Sweden has pledged significant financial aid for Ukraine, amounting to approximately 4 billion euros.