Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf is visiting Lviv in Ukraine and meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyj. The visit, the first by a monarch since the 2022 war outbreak, began with a wreath-laying at a military cemetery. The king expressed Sweden's full support for Ukraine.
King Carl XVI Gustaf arrived in Lviv with Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M). The visit began with a memorial ceremony at a military cemetery, where the king laid a bouquet at a grave he selected himself. Security was tight, and the king appeared visibly moved.
At the Potocki Palace, the king gave a short speech before meeting Zelenskyj. "You have our full support", he said. "In Sweden we wholeheartedly support Ukraine's brave people, its soldiers and veterans." The king described Zelenskyj as a "great leader" for a country that is "very important" to Europe.
Zelenskyj posted on X that Ukrainians are "deeply grateful for the respectful gesture". Lviv resident Olga, who glimpsed the king in the old town, said: "I am glad the king is visiting us in such a difficult time, that he is not deterred by all the threats."
Foreign Minister Malmer Stenergard called the visit a "very strong signal" of Swedish support. She noted that the king is "the only monarch to have visited Ukraine since the country became independent". The government stated it is the first monarch visit since the 2022 war began. The king has met Zelenskyj previously in Sweden in 2024 and at the UN in New York.
