Government provides SEK 9 million in support to Ukrainian Institute in Sweden to promote cultural heritage

“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has now dragged on for three years. The Russian military has killed massive numbers of Ukrainians – soldiers and civilians alike. Russia’s war is also an attack against Ukraine’s culture, civilisation and identity. Culturally and historically important places, such as museums, theatres, libraries and monuments have been plundered and levelled to the ground. Taking away Ukraine’s unique cultural and historical heritage makes it easier for Russia to assert that Ukraine is not an independent country. That’s why I am eager to support the survival of Ukrainian cultural heritage,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has brought about enormous destruction of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Attacks have impeded Ukrainians from contributing to, learning about and preserving their national culture. The Ukrainian Institute in Sweden is a platform for Ukrainian culture outside of Ukraine and enables its survival beyond the reach of Russian attacks. The Government is providing SEK 9 million to support the Institute’s activities from 2025 to 2027.

The Ukrainian Institute’s primary mission is to promote awareness of Ukraine and its cultural heritage and history in Sweden. The Institute also encourages cultural exchanges between Sweden, Ukraine and the rest of Europe. To this end, the Institute organises and participates in various cultural events in Sweden and the rest of Europe, such as concerts, poetry evenings, music festivals, writer conferences, film festivals and panel debates.