Demonstration in Stockholm Highlights the Plight of Ukrainian Children Affected by War
On June 1st, a demonstration under the banner #SaveUkrainianChildren took place in central Stockholm to mark the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. The event brought together members of the Ukrainian community and Swedish activists to raise awareness about the ongoing suffering of children living through the war in Ukraine. It was supported by the Nordic Ukraine Forum.
The purpose of the event was to draw attention to the fact that Russia’s full-scale invasion has robbed thousands of Ukrainian children of their childhoods. Among them, the most vulnerable are those who have lost one or both parents. These are the children supported by the Children of Heroes Foundation, a Ukrainian charity providing long-term assistance to young war survivors.
Alona Kashyna, a volunteer and representative of the Nordic Ukraine Forum, spoke about the mission of the Foundation during the demonstration. Her message was part of the broader informational support offered by the organization — a gesture of solidarity deeply appreciated by the Ukrainian side.
“Every child supported by the Foundation has suffered a profound personal loss,” said Alona. “They haven’t just lost parents — they’ve lost their sense of safety, love, and stability. The Foundation exists to give them a future: through psychological support, education, and consistent care. War should have no child’s face. That’s why we call on the world not to look away. These children deserve attention, opportunity, and a full life.”
The Children of Heroes Charity Fund currently supports over 13,000 children. Unfortunately, as the war continues, that number grows — and so do the needs.
The event also brought together representatives of other initiatives, including those focused on raising awareness about the abduction of Ukrainian children by russia. Attendees included Anna Rennieus Guthrie, Director of the Stockholm Free World Forum; Roman Nahulyak of Ukrainian Volunteer Hub – Stockholm; and Sven Bergland, who shared updates about the Ukrainian Hub’s upcoming activities at Almedalen Week.
The program featured moving speeches and performances by Plast Sweden, the Favorit Cultural Center, and the Ukrainian Sunday School in Stockholm.
This demonstration followed a recent charity run held in Stockholm, where members of the Ukrainian community and Swedish supporters came together to raise funds and awareness for Ukrainian children who lost parents to the war. This year’s run was not just about sport — it was about standing up for justice and giving these children hope.
