From Kiev to Kyjiv – Sweden changes Embassy name

The Swedish Government, the Government Offices of Sweden and the Swedish Foreign Service will henceforth use the names Kyjiv, Odesa, Donbas and Tjornobyl in all Swedish-language communication instead of Kiev, Odessa, Donbass and Tjernobyl, which are linked to Russian spelling. The new names correspond to the Ukrainian forms of these names.

“Names are not just words. They are history, identity and self-determination. Russia is attempting to erase Ukraine’s culture and identity. We have therefore decided that the Government Offices of Sweden will from now on use the Ukrainian forms of names. A small linguistic change – but a signal that Sweden is on Ukraine’s side. And a clear rejection of Russia’s colonial legacy,” says Ms Malmer Stenergard. 

The change serves to demonstrate Sweden’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-determination. Sweden stands firmly with Ukraine, and will continue to provide political, humanitarian, military and financial support to Ukraine for as long as it takes.