Speech outside the Russian Embassy, February 21, 2024

For two years, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has persisted. For two years, the Ukrainian population has paid an incredibly high price to defend their country, their freedom, and their independence.

But the people of Ukraine are not only fighting for themselves; they are fighting for us, for democracy in Europe, for democracy in the entire Western world. Therefore, our support must not waver. Now, more than ever, steadfast leadership is required, leadership that takes a step forward rather than backward. Our shared future depends on it.

There are many indications that this war will be prolonged; it began a decade ago with the invasion of Crimea. We must be resilient. The war has already had a high price, and our continued support will come at a cost. But we must keep paying as long as Russia persists in its flagrantly illegal war of invasion. Last week's tragic news of Alexei Navalny's death shows a state that spares no means to kill oppositionists and stop the truth and free speech.

If Ukraine lose this war it will be very costly for all of us. It is a price we do not want to pay. We do not want to lose our democracy and our freedom.

A consolation and hope in this context are that tyranny cannot ultimately prevail. History shows several examples where tyranny crumbled after a crescendo of repression. The human will for freedom is an unyielding and powerful force that never dies. Herein lies the greatness of humanity. But freedom does not come for free. The people of Ukraine understand this, and we who support Ukraine's cause must also understand.

Leadership is needed to gather strength against tyranny. Leadership that values the open society, freedom, and peace. Leadership that bridges divides and compels people to strive in the same direction.

We live in troubled times with deeply concerning crises in our vicinity. In times of crisis, it is incredibly important that democratic institutions are equipped to create legitimacy for necessary decisions affecting citizens. Trust must be built before the crisis arrives. Political leadership, along with various sectors of society, from business to non-governmental organizations, must create meeting places and facilitate functional dialogue.

The threat we now face is a crucial question for Europe and for the future of our children. There is a need for leaders now and in the future who safeguard democracy, who stand up for human freedom and rights. Leaders who enhance European cooperation and the European idea.

We know that leadership is crucial – especially in crisis and wartime situations. Leaders' values and actions influence individuals and society. Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine starkly illustrates this fact. The war demonstrates the difference between destructive leadership and good leadership. Leadership makes a difference.

And the leaders in the Kremlin have a choice. They bear responsibility for the war. Those supporting Putin's regime share the responsibility. The leaders in the Kremlin have the power to end the war at any time.

As representatives of Ledarna – Sweden's managers' organization I want to express our full support for Ukraine. We are fully in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who, with strength and courage, are fighting to defend their country, freedom, and democracy!

We, who are friends and defenders of democracy, need to remain united in support of Ukraine's right to self-determination. Together, we need to defend democracy, freedom, and our human rights every day!

We stand with Ukraine! Slava Ukraini!

This speech in Swedish: Tal utanför Rysslands ambassad 21 februari 2024