Sweden has handed over a unique copy of Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky's battle banner to Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
Swedish artisans have handcrafted and delivered to Ukraine a replica of Bohdan Khmelnytsky's banner. The original artifact has been preserved in Sweden since the 17th century.
Sweden has handed over to Ukraine a unique replica of the battle banner of Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky, UNN reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
Details
As reported by the diplomatic department, the artifact, handmade by Swedish masters, was presented to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, during his visit to the Kingdom of Sweden.
"Today we are bringing back an important artifact of Ukrainian heritage from oblivion. My Swedish colleague Maria Malmer Stenergard and I agreed on this last year in Uzhhorod, and I thank her for the implementation of these agreements," the Foreign Minister noted.
Sybiha added that today's event continues the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's important initiative to return historical figures, artifacts, and heritage.
Background
After the Battle of Berestechko in 1551, the original banner was lost, and later, during the Great Northern War, it ended up in Sweden as a war trophy and has been preserved there for centuries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that they highly value Sweden's support and thanked the Swedish Army Museum and Swedish masters for creating an authentic replica of this unique artifact.