We Appreciate Sweden’s Support in Providing Temporary Protection to Ukrainians – Denys Uliutin

As part of a working visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, the Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, Denys Uliutin, and the First Deputy Minister, Liudmyla Shemelynets, held a meeting with Sweden’s Minister for Migration, Johan Forssell.

During the meeting, the parties discussed ensuring social protection of Ukrainians temporarily residing in Sweden, as well as the ways of their integration.

Currently, around 70,000 Ukrainians reside in Sweden, 61,000 of them left Ukraine after February 24, 2022.

“We appreciate Sweden’s support in providing temporary protection to our citizens. This ensures stability and appropriate assistance for many families who were forced to flee the war,” said Denys Uliutin.

The Minister outlined to Swedish partners Ukraine’s strategic vision regarding national unity and the voluntary return of its citizens. According to him, the key condition for Ukrainians to return home is security; however, even now, the task of the state is to maintain contact with those abroad and assist them in preparing for reintegration.

That’s why Ukraine plans to create Unity Centers in European countries where the largest numbers of Ukrainians are currently residing.

“These will be support spaces for Ukrainians abroad that will combine legal and informational assistance, psychosocial support, education, and cultural connections,” he emphasized.

In addition, the team of the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine presented the preparation of a voluntary return program for Ukrainians, which will include digital tools to help maintain communication and provide accurate information to our citizens abroad.

Following the meeting, the Ukrainian and Swedish sides agreed to continue their dialogue in relation to coordinating efforts in the areas of migration, social integration, and voluntary return.

As a reminder, earlier, Denys Uliutin held a meeting with Ilva Johansson, the EU Special Envoy for Ukrainians. The parties discussed strengthening cooperation in the context of the gradual completion of the temporary protection regime for Ukrainian citizens in the European Union.

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