Deputy head of Ukrainian President’s Office, State Secretary to Swedish PM discuss Donbas and sanctions against Russia

The interlocutors exchanged information on the measures taken by Ukraine and Sweden to counteract COVID-19 and agreed on the need to coordinate appropriate steps to protect the health of the citizens of both countries.

They noted the importance of organizing flights to return Ukrainians to their homeland, the last of which was made the day before. The Ukrainian party thanked Sweden for its contribution to the fight against coronavirus, including via the WHO channels, the UN Global Humanitarian Response Plan for COVID-19 and the EU structures.

Sweden's support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and the inappropriateness of using the pandemic to weaken sanctions and restrictive measures applied as a result of their violation were highly appreciated.

Ihor Zhovkva informed Karin Wallensteen of the current situation in Donbas, paying special attention to blocking and non-implementation of a number of important steps: ceasefire, disengagement of troops, ensuring full access of the OSCE SMM to the temporarily occupied territories and access of humanitarian organizations to detained persons.

The Ukrainian party thanked the Kingdom of Sweden for providing important technical assistance at the bilateral level and informed of the latest steps in the reform of the Ukrainian legislation.

The parties also agreed to intensify the bilateral political dialogue after the end of the pandemic and to facilitate the active development of trade and economic cooperation.

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