H.E. Vasyl Zvarych

Despite unimaginable pain, Ukraine stands strong

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

Can you tell us about yourself, and about how you became an ambassador?

Since my school years, I have dreamed of becoming a diplomat. It was a deliberate choice for me to study at the Faculty of International Relations at Lviv State University. Right after graduation, I joined the Foreign Service of Ukraine in 1999.

I was inspired to pursue diplomacy because I believe in the power of dialogue and cooperation to create positive change. Representing my country and contributing to stronger international partnerships has always been my goal, and becoming an ambassador allows me to do that at the highest level. I am very grateful to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha, as well as his predecessor Dmytro Kuleba, for their confidence in giving me this opportunity.

Before coming to Prague, I served as Ambassador to Poland. It is a great honour and responsibility to represent Ukraine and its courageous people, especially during this extremely challenging time of Russian military aggression. Today, the main task of Ukrainian diplomacy is to consolidate international support to ensure our soldiers receive all the necessary resources to save lives and defend our homeland.

You have been in the Czech Republic for over a year now. Can you share some of your impressions?

My first impression of the Czech Republic was its rich history, beautiful architecture, and warm, welcoming people. I have been impressed by the strong solidarity between our countries, especially in supporting Ukraine during wartime. It is truly inspiring to see Ukrainian flags waving on so many government buildings and in the windows of ordinary people. Every Ukrainian feels the hospitality of the Czech people, which will remain in our memories forever and will become a solid foundation for close relations between Ukrainians and Czechs for generations to come.

In addition, I am pleased to see mutual respect and a shared interest in deepening our relations through increased cultural exchanges, economic cooperation initiatives, and meetings with inspiring Czech and Ukrainian people who are making a difference every day.

How many countries have you served in so far?

My first posting at a diplomatic mission was in Turkey, where I spent four wonderful years. I have also served in Poland three times, and in the United States of America. And now, I am here in beautiful and friendly Czechia.

Can you recall an experience that could be called your best adventure ever?

One of the best adventures I have had was participating in a large rally in Prague last February in support of Ukraine, attended by the President of the Czech Republic and many other friends. Tens of thousands of people gathered at the Old Town Square, and it was an incredible experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. Seeing such enormous support and solidarity was truly a blessing!

And, on the other hand, what is the weirdest thing you had to deal with?

I cannot recall any particularly weird situations. Perhaps it is because, as a diplomat, I perceive even the most unusual circumstances as part of reality and my professional experience. We have to be accustomed to everything.

Does being an ambassador fit well into your lifestyle?

Yes, being an ambassador fits well with my lifestyle because I enjoy engaging with people, learning about new cultures, languages, and taking on challenges that require adaptability, creativity, and quick thinking. Diplomacy is dynamic, especially during wartime, and I thrive in an environment where every day brings new opportunities to contribute and work together toward Ukraine’s victory.

What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador of Ukraine today?

The most difficult part of being an ambassador is fully realising that people’s lives depend on your work – both the lives of those defending the country and those of ordinary civilians, including children, who suffer every day from Russian missiles and drones. On one hand, you understand that other societies have their own problems, political life, and daily concerns, but even so, you are under constant pressure, trying to gain the understanding of your foreign friends and allies and ensure their rapid response to the atrocities brought to our land by the enemy.

Every day of delay in military supplies, for example, can mean more lost lives – both for our soldiers, who do not receive all the means they need for defence, and for civilians, who can die from Russian attacks because our armed forces have not yet received the necessary air defence systems. This is perhaps the unique reality of being an ambassador of a country that has been attacked and must defend itself in order to survive and not disappear from the map of the world.

Are you able to enjoy your free time in this difficult situation?

In my free time, I try to spend as much time as possible with my family – my wife, children, and our dog. More than ever, we feel the true value of family: the importance of being together, facing challenges side by side, and caring for our loved ones who remain in Ukraine. Every moment of life – whether we live, love, and find joy, or sometimes experience sadness and tears from heavy losses – matters deeply. That is why my free time is wholeheartedly dedicated to family.

The war in your homeland has been hard and long. What impact do you see it having on your country and its people?

A brutal and unprovoked war launched by Russia against Ukraine has brought unimaginable pain and destruction to our land. Thousands of civilians, including children, have been killed or injured. Entire cities and villages have been destroyed. Millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes – some abroad, many within Ukraine itself.

And yet, despite this, Ukraine stands strong. Russia continues to deliberately target civilian infrastructure – homes, hospitals, schools, energy facilities – in an attempt to break our spirit. But it will never succeed. The Ukrainian people have shown extraordinary resilience and unity. Our soldiers are among the bravest in the world, defending not only our homeland but also the values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity.

Every day, ordinary Ukrainians display incredible strength – rebuilding homes, keeping schools open, caring for one another, and continuing to hope and fight. This war has clarified our national identity even further: we are a free people, and we will never give up. Ukraine will endure, and Ukraine will win – because we are fighting for our very right to exist, to freely determine our way of life, and to choose our European future – far from Russian tyranny, totalitarian imperialism, and colonialism.

Do you feel that the future of free Europe and maybe all the free world is on the shoulders of Ukraine?

Yes, absolutely – and it is not just something we feel; we, Ukrainians, live it every day. We fight for justice and for the rule of law to prevail. This principle serves every nation in the world as the best guarantee of their security and stability. Ukraine is now the frontline in the battle between freedom and tyranny.

Russia’s war is not only against Ukraine’s sovereignty, and it is not about expanding territory, which Russia does not need at all. The neo-imperialistic regime led by Putin commits crimes against the principles of international law, human rights, and the rules-based order that underpins peace in Europe and globally. This war serves as a source of enormous power for Putin, who does not respect state borders or the law.

Therefore, our fight is a wake-up call for the free world. Through our struggle, we are also sending a clear message: freedom, human dignity, and the right of nations to choose their own path cannot be violated. But these values are not given; they must be defended every day, sometimes at the highest possible cost.

If we allow Putin’s aggression to succeed, it will open the door to further expansion of authoritarianism, instability, and war across the continent. The impunity of criminals only encourages them to commit more crimes.

That is also why we are so grateful for the solidarity and support we receive from countries like the Czech Republic. Czechia, based on its own historic experience, understands very well what we are fighting for. We will not let you down; we will stand strong and help the rest of the free world grow stronger together. If Ukraine stands, Europe and the entire free world – grounded in shared values and principles – stand. If Ukraine fails, the free world faces failure and new wars.

Ukraine would like to join the EU, and maybe even NATO. What would be the benefits in doing that, and are you supported in your efforts?

Ukraine’s strategic goal is full membership in both the European Union and NATO. This is our deliberate choice, defended even by the lives of our heroes on the battlefield. We see these steps not only as crucial for our national security and prosperity, but also as a way for Ukraine to strengthen both organisations. Ukraine is not just asking to join – we are proving on the battlefield and through reforms that we are ready to be a part of the Euro-Atlantic family. Ukraine is not a burden, but a contributor – a country that has already transformed into one of the most experienced, resilient, and determined democracies in Europe.

Regarding the EU, Ukraine is fully engaged in the accession process. We have already completed the screening of EU law and are ready to start pre-accession talks on all negotiation clusters. Unfortunately, one EU country has been blocking the opening of the first cluster on fundamentals. We regard this as unfair and are asking our EU partners to take action, so that one country cannot misuse its veto power and hold the entire EU and the Ukrainian people hostage to its domestic politics. We remain deeply committed to continuing reforms and achieving our goal of becoming a full-fledged member of the EU.

As for NATO, we have achieved unprecedented interoperability with Allied forces. Ukraine today has the most battle-hardened army in Europe, one that is already strengthening Europe’s collective defence. Our membership will make NATO stronger – strategically, operationally, and morally. Russia must have no influence over our sovereign decision to become a NATO member. We are not threatening Russia; on the contrary, Russia attacked Ukraine militarily in violation of all its international commitments. Russia is a threat to NATO, not the other way around.

The people of Europe have shown overwhelming solidarity with Ukraine – and we believe this solidarity will transform into political momentum to complete our integration. Ukraine’s future is in the EU and NATO – not someday, but as soon as possible. And we are doing everything necessary to make that future a reality.

Can you evaluate the current status of Czechia-Ukraine relations?

Over the past year, Czech-Ukrainian relations have officially been elevated to the level of a strategic partnership. Numerous significant bilateral events and initiatives have taken place, greatly strengthening our cooperation across political, economic, humanitarian, and security spheres. This partnership has had a mutually beneficial impact on both our countries.

There has been a notable intensification of high-level dialogue, with regular and constructive contacts between presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and other government officials. Parliamentary cooperation is also strong. Regional cooperation has expanded as well, with cities and regions from both countries building new partnerships and supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts.

In the context of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, the Czech Republic has stood firmly on the side of international law, freedom, and justice. It has become one of Ukraine’s most reliable and principled partners. Czechia has provided critical military-technical assistance, including through its leadership in the ammunition initiative, which we greatly value. It has also offered generous humanitarian support and provided safe refuge for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians forced to flee their homes.

I would like to emphasise that Ukrainians in Czechia are not just sitting and waiting for social benefits. They are working hard legally, and contributing significantly to the Czech state budget. Last year, the revenue from taxes paid by Ukrainians exceeded the volume of social expenditures for Ukrainian refugees by almost 450 million USD. That, to me, is true mutual solidarity.

Moreover, Czech society has shown immense solidarity with Ukraine. Civil society, NGOs, municipalities, and ordinary citizens have played a crucial role in strengthening our relations. Fundraising in support of Ukrainians, and especially the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has become a globally recognised hallmark of the Czech people, who are highly mobilised to help those in need. I deeply appreciate that.

I am profoundly grateful for the Czech Republic’s steadfast support and confident that our strategic partnership will continue to grow. I am thankful to the current government and look forward to continuing our cooperation with the next government on our shared agenda. I am certain that by working closely together, both our nations will gain more and become stronger in these challenging times.

Let us conclude with our traditional question, although the answer is rather sadly obvious this time. What do you wish for your country, and for Czechia?

My greatest wish for my country is victory and a just, lasting peace built on the foundations of our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom. I wish for Ukraine to become a member of the EU and NATO, and I wish for the safe return home of all Ukrainians forced to flee due to Russian aggression. We will have much work ahead to rebuild our motherland together.

To the Czech Republic and my Czech friends, I wish continued peace, security, prosperity, and unity. I hope that the Czech people, who have shown such deep compassion and courage in standing with Ukraine, continue to thrive in a free, democratic society that remains a pillar of stability in the heart of Europe. May our nations continue walking side by side as friends, allies, and partners.

From all Ukrainians – thank you, dear Czechia, for standing with us. Please do not allow fatigue when it comes to defending values, freedom, and justice for all. Truth always prevails. Pravda vítězí.