Yesterday I attended the rally at Sergels Torg in Stockholm. It’s been four years since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine. Sweden’s support for Ukraine is strong and unwavering. This night we filled the central square of Stockholm on a winter weekday with snow and temperatures just above freezing. One of many manifestations in Sweden this day.
It felt good to be there. To see that we were many. To listen to the speakers, putting words on intangible feelings and capturing thoughts racing around in my brain.
United by a single purpose
More than 40 volunteer organisations help Ukraine in one way or another. In Sweden alone. One of them is Blågula Bilen who delivers trucks to Ukraine. They buy them up or someone donates to them, then they fix them up and fill them with donations. Then drive them directly to where they are needed. More than 1300 cars since February 2022.
No-one can do everything, everyone can do something. My wife and I do our own little part. Helping donations get to Ukraine. It feels good to do something. To show that we care; that we do not accept what is going on.
When gathered at Sergels Torg, you see — and feel — how strong we are together. United by a single purpose. To not let Putin win. Ukraine’s freedom is our freedom. Ukraine’s future is our future.
Sweden stands with Ukraine
I particularly liked the speech of Björn Ulvaeus. The song writer famous from ABBA expressed with clarity many of the same reflections that I have made.
Europe must take responsibility for defending itself. The best way to do this is to give Ukraine what it needs to win the war. 100%, not less. Then maybe the war will end. Or we will one day see Russian tanks in Helsinki, Warsaw, and Berlin. Calls to use the frozen assets of Russia to finance Ukraine got strong support from the crowd.
The Swedish foreign secretary was the first speaker. The leader of the opposition, former prime minister, was next. Then Ukraine’s ambassador to Sweden. The Swedish prime minister was in Kyiv.
The Swedish parliament is united in supporting Ukraine with weapons and equipment and money to survive the war and to win the war. In absolute numbers, Sweden was the third largest donor of military equipment to Ukraine in 2025. Voices opposing support for Ukraine both in parliament and in the public discourse are few and fringe.
A better future is possible
Crazy old men are in charge in most of the world today. They start wars and line their coffers with money stolen from the public. Civilians are killed at a whim — in their homes at night or in boats of the coast of Venezuela. Children are stolen from their parents — by brutes on the orders of autocrats. Prisoners of war are tortured and executed. Crimes against humanity go unpunished. Those that should be in prison are in charge of the police.
How did we end up here?
The world is burning and we are spectators. Oil refineries are burning. Wind power projects are stalled. Regulation put in place to protect our health and the health of our children — is rolled back. Venture capital is vacuumed into the black hole of AI fuelled by endless promises of profit. But money is a bleak reward in a world of unfairness and suffering. When what we should do is to unite and solve the biggest challenge before us yet: The climate crisis.
Sooner or later reality will catch up. Old men will die and wither. The wheel of time will turn.
Let’s stand together strong in our values and in our dream that a better world is possible. One where we live together like brothers; not one where we perish together like fools.
Yesterday showed that Sweden believes in a better future.
